‘Policeman’ turned up at home to take away bank card in Central Belt scam

This shameless act of fraud was set up over the telephone after a 60-year-old Stirling woman was contacted on Sunday, November 7.

A plausible-sounding caller informed her that there was suspicious activity to her bank account.

The caller then told her that a police office would come to her home to collect the card - and he arrived a short time later to do just that.

The card was returned to the woman several hours later.

This would not be the last time that the woman was contacted by the fraudsters and the victim became suspicious. Her next move was to contact her bank and police were then called in.

Crime Prevention Officer Bryan Mackie said: “Luckily banking protocols prevented any money from being taken from the woman’s account, however it is important people are aware of this scam and avoid falling victim.

“The man who collected the woman’s bank card is believed to have shown some form of identification, however a police officer would never arrive to take your bank card.

“We would urge anyone who is contacted by their bank, and is concerned regarding the legitimacy of the call, to hang up and call back the bank’s main number to confirm who they are speaking with.

“Anyone with information or concerns about fraudulent activity can contact Police Scotland through 101.”