Police Scotland is appealing for information and urging the public to remain vigilant after an elderly man was defrauded of a large sum of cash in the Scottish Borders.
The 85-year-old was within his home in Eyemouth when he received a telephone call on Monday 23rd January from an individual claiming to be a police officer.
During this time the caller advised the victim that there was a problem with his bank account and someone would attend at his home the following day to uplift his bank card.
The victim was then visited at around 2.15 p.m. on Tuesday 24th January and handed over his card to the male at his door.
As a result of this, a five-figure sum of cash was removed from the man’s bank account and inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.
The male who attended at the victim’s door is described as white, early forties, around 5ft 9ins tall with a medium build, clean shaven face and olive-skinned complexion. He was wearing a black tammy hat, black trousers and spoke with a Scottish accent.
Detective Constable Barry Mercer from the Financial Crime Unit said: “The victim has been left devastated at the theft of his savings and we are pursuing various lines of inquiry to identify the culprits.
“If you recognise the description of the male who attended at the man’s home, or if you have any information relevant to this investigation the please get in touch.
“While the caller may have sounded extremely convicing I would like to remind the public that neither police, nor banks will contact you by phone to request you hand over your bank card or account details.
“If you receive a call of a similar nature, do not comply with the caller’s request. Hang up and contact police immediately.
“For more information or advice on preventing financial crime please visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
