FRAUDSTERS have targeted several local people in the latest wave of telephone scam attempts.

They call unsuspecting residents and pretend to be from a genuine company, such as a telephone or internet provider, loan provider, bank or building society.

Within seconds the con-artist is at work by telling their intended victim that to access the firm’s services they must first pay a nominal fee or pass their personal bank details.

Then the sting — the customer has to transfer funds by purchasing vouchers, making a nominal payment or transferring money — which the fraudster then takes control of.

Ayrshire Police Division have issued an urgent warning after they received numerous reports regarding the fake phone calls.

Safer Communities Officer PC Marshall said :“Fraudsters are often very convincing and their scams are sophisticated, with the fraudster in some cases phoning the customer back a number of times to ‘help’ and talk them through the ‘set-up’ process.

“We advise the public to be suspicious of any call purporting to be from any company offering services over the phone, where your personal or bank details are requested.”

For further advice contact your own bank or if you think you may the victim of a fraud call police on 101 or visit www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe for further information.