Police Scotland is warning residents of Perth and Kinross to be wary of a new scam involving social media.
The deceit begins when the victim is contacted by the scammer via Facebook pretending to be someone from their contacts list such as a friend of family member.
There may be some general chat before the scammer asks for a loan of cash to purchase foodstuffs or pay an outstanding bill.
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They then provide details of a bank account into which the money can be paid.
There is generally a promise that the cash will be paid back within a few days or next pay day.
However no monies are ever paid back and it is only when the victim makes further enquiries with the person who asked for the cash that it becomes clear the request did not come from them.
A Police Scotland spokesperson advised: “Should you receive such a request, which in itself is out of the ordinary, do not make any payment until you are sure it is a genuine request.
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“All efforts should be made to speak to your friend or family member making the request by phone prior to any cash being sent to ensure that it is a genuine request.
"Never ask for a direct phone number from the person requesting the cash.
"This may take you directly back to the scammer.”
Anyone with information on the scam can contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
