Police have issued a warning to the public after two pensioners in Paisley fell victim to a bank card scam.
Conmen posing as bank staff stole a four-figure sum from a 80-year-old man after he was tricked into handing over his card and PIN number.
The fraudsters contacted the pensioner by telephone, claiming his account has been compromised, before sending a fake courier to collect his card.
They then used the card at various locations to withdraw thousands of pounds from his account, as the Daily Record reports.
It comes just days after an 81-year-old Paisley man fell victim to an almost identical scam, losing a three figure sum.
Police have urged the public to be on guard and on the lookout for suspicious activity.
Detective Sergeant Euan McMillan, from Paisley CID, said: "This is clearly a sophisticated scam which involves various aspects.
"The bottom line is, vulnerable and elderly people are falling victim to it, and it is unacceptable.
“We are carrying out a range of enquiries around it at the moment in a bid to prevent any further crimes.
“We are working to establish how victims are being identified, so I would ask you to think back if you have had any cold callers at your door recently, or if you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the street.
“If so, we would like to hear from you.”
DS McMillan also explained that no bank will ever ask for a PIN number over the phone as he offered advice in protecting against the fraud.
He added: “No bank will ever ask you for your PIN number and under no circumstances will your bank ever send someone to collect your bank cards.
“Calls can sound very believable, but I would urge people to be extra cautious at all times. If you receive a call which you are not sure
about, hang up and call the bank back.
“Sometimes criminals will use a phone number similar to, or which may even match, the bank’s number.
"So we would urge you hang up and call back or have a family member call back on your behalf.
“If you have a vulnerable or elderly relative, please pass this information on to them.” If you have any information call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
