Police in Scottish Borders urge vigilance after £220,000 lost to scammers

Police in the Scottish Borders are urging the public to be vigilant as detectives investigate over £220,000 being lost to scammers.

Between 26 May and 9 June, 2021, five Borders residents reported frauds – three of which were investment scams.

The scams involved fake online companies fraudulently claiming they will invest a person’s money. These investment frauds are sophisticated and can be very convincing.

Detective Sergeant Jamie Gilmore of Galashiels CID said: “Investment scams are the most profitable form of cybercrime affecting Scotland and a large number of these scams use cryptocurrencies.

“I’m urging people to be vigilant when it comes to investment and always be wary of any offers which appear to be too good to be true. It’s just not worth the risk.”

Two of the scams police are investigating involved phone calls from fraudsters claiming to be from a reputable company and a bank.

They pressured the victims into providing bank details and passwords, as well as making bank transfers and payments.

DS Gilmore continued: “I also want to urge people to take the time to verify the identity of anyone who calls out of the blue claiming you owe them money, or that there is a problem with your banking.

“Please do not feel pressured to act then and there. Hang up, find a legitimate number for the company in question and call back on your own terms to check the claims being made.”

For more advice, please visit Police Scotland’s website.