Bank workers have been praised by police after they helped stop a pensioner falling victim to a suspected scam.
Staff at the Barclays bank contacted police on Wednesday afternoon with concerns about a 75-year-old customer at their branch in Westerhope.
He had entered the bank and asked to withdraw £75 as he said he needed to pay a "solicitor’s fee" in return for a £2,000 PPI pay-out.
Staff at the bank refused to hand over the money and instead contacted police.
Officers attended the scene to speak to the man, who they believe was the victim of an elaborate fraud.
Staff at the bank have been praised for their intervention and officers asked family and friends of vulnerable people to remain vigilant.
Neighbourhood Inspector Harninder Bola said: "This was a fantastic intervention by staff at the bank who have prevented a theft from taking place.
"The victim in this case had been duped into thinking he was owed thousands of pounds that he would receive upon payment of a small solicitor's fee.
"The fraudsters have only asked for a small amount of money but the likelihood is that this wasn’t the only person they have targeted.
"If someone is saying they will visit you in your home to hand over a cheque then it is likely to be a scam and we need people to be vigilant.
"We would ask family, friends and neighbours of vulnerable people in our region to remain vigilant and ask about any suspicious behaviour.
"If it seems too good to be true then it probably is and if anyone has any concerns then we would ask you to contact police."
An investigation into the scam is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 383 23/10/19.
