Police and banks tackle ongoing telephone scam

Police in Edinburgh have joined representatives from the banking sector to launch a new campaign aimed at tackling an ongoing telephone scam.

The fraudulent tactic known as ‘vishing’ involves members of the public receiving a call from someone claiming to be form their bank.

The caller informs the victim that there has been suspicious activity on their bank account and requests that money be transferred to another account as a safety precaution.

In the past six weeks, 16 people from across the Capital have fallen victim to this scam, resulting in over £650,000 in cash being stolen.

Detectives from the Economic Crime Unit are now working alongside all of the main banks within Edinburgh to warn and inform communities about this crime.

All public branches will display a specially designed poster reminding the public never to give out their details if they are cold-called.

In addition, police will distribute crime prevention leaflets across the city to advise communities about the scam and provide information on how to avoid falling victim.

Front of house bank staff will also be provided with further information to help tackle ‘vishing’ by helping them identify customers who may have received a fraudulent phone call.

Detective Inspector Arron Clinkscales said: “Those responsible for committing these offences are despicable individuals who mostly prey on the elderly and vulnerable members of our communities.

“It is essential that police and the banking industry work together to address this matter and ensure that the public are fully informed on the type of tactics criminals will utilise to obtain their personal details or money.

“Our awareness-raising posters be available within bank branches throughout Edinburgh and local policing teams will deliver crime prevention leaflets to various addresses across the city.

“In addition, bank staff are being given additional training to identify potential victims before they remove large sums of money from their accounts.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that neither the police, nor banks, will cold-call an account holder and ask for personal details, or for money to be transferred elsewhere.

“If you receive a call like this, do not comply. Hang up and ensure the line has been cleared before contacting police.”

Chris Wilson, Royal Bank of Scotland Managing Director RBS in Scotland said: “Fraudsters work by creating fear that a customers savings may be under threat. No bank will ever ask a customer to transfer their savings or part of their savings to another account or another bank in order to “protect the funds”.

We’re delighted to join Police Scotland in this campaign to raise customer awareness around how these scams work.”