Renfrewshire Police have warned people to be aware of scams after an elderly lady fell victim to fraudsters.
Earlier this week, the woman received a text message from an unknown mobile number.
The sender stated that she was the victim’s daughter texting from a new mobile number and that her bank account had been frozen and she needed money immediately.
The sender asked for £1800 to be transferred and provided an account number to which the victim transferred the money.
A second text was then received from the same number asking for a further £1900.
The victim attempted to send this money too but it was blocked by her bank.
The victim thought she was helping her daughter in her time of need and therefore in her haste to help she didn’t check that the requests were genuine.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Police Scotland have issued advice about fraud and mobile scams. A spokesman said: “We are continuing to make people aware of these types of scams, which are often very sophisticated.
“Frauds such as this can be made via telephone, email or text message and perpetrators can be very convincing.
“If you receive this type of contact, do not respond in any way.
“Do not click on any links within the messages and do not transfer money or account details over the phone.
“If you are in any doubt, contact your bank or other organisations by telephone via their official listed numbers.
“These numbers can generally be found on your statements, phone book or online.”
Colin Mathieson, spokesman for consumeradvice.scot, said: “Scammers can be very convincing in their approach, and it is despicable that these individuals are taking advantage of people at a vulnerable time.
“It’s important that you don’t share any of your personal or banking information with people contacting you out of the blue like this.”
If you suspect that someone who contacts you is a scammer, remember: Remain calm – hang up if you are at all unsure, don’t share personal information – this can be used to perpetrate further scams, don’t share banking or payment information.
Report suspected scams at scamwatch.scot – you might be able to help others.
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area.
Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
