Police Scotland are urging residents in East Dunbartonshire, to remain vigilant as officers continue investigations into a series of bank frauds targeting elderly individuals. Over the past four weeks, two women aged 78 and 80 fell victim to scams resulting in significant financial losses, while seven other cases involving victims aged between 66 and 86 were successfully thwarted.
The modus operandi of the scammers involves contacting victims by phone, posing as Glasgow-based police officers. Claiming concerns about fraudulent activities related to the victims’ bank cards, the fraudsters manipulate their targets into believing they are aiding a legitimate investigation. Subsequently, victims are coerced into transferring funds or visiting their local bank branches to withdraw money, which the scammers collect.
Chief Inspector Aidan Higgins, Local Area Commander for East Dunbartonshire, emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, “These callous criminals prey on the most vulnerable people in our communities.” He urged the public to exercise caution and highlighted that neither police officers nor legitimate banking institutions would request fund transfers or personal financial information over the phone.
Specialist officers are working to identify the perpetrators behind these scams, and Chief Inspector Higgins urged residents to report any suspicious calls promptly. He advised, “If you receive a call of this nature, do not engage with the caller and hang up. It is a scam. If you’re unsure, take a few moments to think. Note the caller’s telephone number, hang up, and contact police on 101.”
