THREE pensioners have been victims of high-value frauds where thousands of pounds have been stolen from their bank accounts.

A 73, 81 and 86-year-old, all from East Kilbride and Carluke, have been targeted over the past three months. 

An investigation has been launched by cops and enquiries are ongoing.

Police Scotland is warning members of the public to be on their guard. 

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The force says in each of the cases, the pensioners received telephone calls from someone purporting to be from their local bank.

The fraudster claims money has been taken from their accounts and will provide information regarding recent banking activity to make them seem genuine.

In order for the victim to get money back, they provide them with details of another bank account to transfer money into and ask them to go into the branch to make the transaction. 

DC Murray, from Lanarkshire CID, said: “I would ask everyone to be on their guard from any type of online or telephone scam.

“Each of these incidents is clearly extremely distressing for the people involved who all believed that the calls were made from their own banks. They trusted that the information they were given was correct.

"The people behind these scams are contemptible, abusing people’s trust and then stealing money from them.

“The criminals who use these sophisticated tactics, go to great lengths to appear legitimate including providing information on recent banking activity. It is important to remember that a genuine caller from your bank would never ask for your banking or personal details as they already have them.

"Your bank will not ask you to transfer money during an unsolicited call nor will they ask you to allow them access to your online or telephone banking, so if asked, politely end the call.

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"It is best to call your bank back on a number you have sourced yourself, ideally using a different phone, or attend your local branch for advice. If you are unsure, end the call and ask a friend, relative or the Police for advice.

“Any victims of these crimes or anyone with concerns regarding calls they have received should contact their local police station through 101. If you are in any doubt that the call is not genuine then please end the call, your bank will understand.”

Anyone with information should contact police via 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.