Police in Lothian and Borders are warning the public to be on their guard after becoming aware of a banking scam.
One woman aged 71, from the Scottish Borders area had a four-figure sum of cash taken after being contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer on Monday, 26 January, 2026.
They were contacted by phone and asked to attend their local bank branch to transfer money to an account provided by the scammer. They were informed that the bank were in on the scam and they would be assisting in helping catch those involved. They are also told to tell staff the money being transferred is for a family member.
The caller then advises them to withdraw the cash and that someone will attend at their address to collect it.
Constable Lightfoot said: “I would ask everyone to be on their guard from any type of online or telephone scam.
“The criminals who use these sophisticated tactics, go to great lengths to appear legitimate. It is important to remember that officers or your bank will never ask you to transfer money during an unsolicited call. You should end the call and call your bank or police on a number you have sourced and ideally with a different phone.
“Any victims of these crimes or anyone with concerns regarding calls they have received should contact their local police station through 101.”
