Police warning after £24,000 con
POLICE are advising the public not to give out any personal bank details over the phone after a Highland woman was conned out of £24,000.
The woman, who is in her 60s, received a phone call from a person claiming to be from the Royal Bank of Scotland.
She was told she was required to provide personal details due to a block on her account.
The pensioner from Easter Ross had been online between 5pm and 6pm on June 16 and she received the phone call shortly after having been connected to the internet.
A police spokesperson said: "The fraud involved her providing password details for her online banking service and the use of the electronic card reader, which RBS provide to online banking customers for extra security.
"Our officers and the RBS Fraud Department are continuing enquiries into the fraud."
Northern Constabulary are advising people to be extra vigilant and never to give any such details to cold callers.
The force spokesperson said: "These calls may sound genuine and be very convincing, however, if you are in any doubt, ask for a number and a contact name and call your bank to verify the details.
"Banks never call customers and ask for their security details. If someone calls you and asks for this, then it is unlikely that the call is genuine.
He added: "Your bank will be pleased that you are taking your account security seriously and advise you of the best course of action."
Anyone who feels they may be the target of a fraud should call their bank or Police and provide the most detailed account as possible of the conversation and questions asked.
For further advice on how to prevent fraud contact your local bank or local police station.
