Police in East Ayrshire are encouraging the public to be on the lookout for fraudsters.

It comes as more more cases of fraud are being reported in recent times and so the force have issued some advice to help protect people from scammers.

Chief Inspector Nathan Calderwood, Area Commander for East Ayrshire said: “Victims are being contacted in a variety of methods by fraudsters and being told they owe an outstanding debt, there is a problem with their bank account or internet and claiming to be a reputable company. Anyone can be fooled as the perpetrators are clever and cunning and often catch you off guard.

“If you receive a phone call which has come out of the blue, if they are telling you to respond quickly, to keep it a secret and asking you to send money, this is a scam. Never give your personal information such as bank/card details over the phone and never transfer money to them or arrange a payment collection.

“We ask everyone to follow our safety advice, pass the information to family, friends and those most vulnerable in our communities.”

Anyone with concerns about crime in their area is encouraged to contact Police Scotland by calling 101.

Remember:

HMRC and other Government Departments will never use texts or calls to contact you or ever ask for payment in this way.

Reputable companies won’t look for an advance payment to secure a refund

Telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed. Don’t trust the number you see on your telephone display.

If you receive a suspicious call, end it immediately and if claiming to be your bank or broadband provider, phone them back yourself on the information from your company correspondence

For more crime prevention advice and top tips to stop becoming a victim of fraud please visit: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/

You can also visit Police Scotland’s social media pages on Facebook & Twitter and visit partner organisations such as Trading Standards Scotland for current scam information