FARMERS in Cumnock and Doon Valley are being warned about a new type of scam called ghosting.

An NFU Scotland member in Ayrshire recently lost thousands of pounds after they were caught out.

The scam involves a fraudster hacking an e-mail account where they intercept e-mails from your bank, remove the banker from the conversation and start mimicking them – but with “revised” account details.

The farmer involved had been negotiating a finance agreement to buy new machinery and only found out when the dealer called to chase up the payment.

The bank involved has launched an investigation in conjunction with Police Scotland’s fraud team.

The farmer – who remains anonymous – said: “Please be vigilant folks. Even in hindsight, and having reviewed the emails, the only indication that an intruder had taken over the email conversation with the bank was a very slight change in writing style - something that we simply assumed was a banker typing in a hurry.

“It was a very convincing scam that has stung us, leaving us several thousand pounds out of pocket and no guarantee that we’re getting it back.”

Tackling rural crime – including cybercrime – will be on the agenda when NFU Scotland’s Tackling Rural Crime Together – Back to Basics event takes place at Dumfries House on Friday, October 5.

Encouraging all members to register and attend, regional manager Christine Cuthbertson said: “Scammers are becoming increasingly devious when it comes targeting businesses and this incidence of ghosting in the region must serve as a sharp reminder to all to be alert at all times.

“Whether it is your bank account, your property or your pick-up, the event at Dumfries House will offer back to basics guidance on how to protect what is yours.”

Sergeant Alan McDowall of Police Scotland’s Community Policing Team added: “Cybercrime can take many different forms therefore it is important to be aware of current and emerging trends involving this type of criminality.

“If farmers are unable to attend the event on October 5, information and advice is available within the Keep Secure Online section of the Police Scotland website.”