An urgent warning has been issued after recent scam incidents in the East Dunbartonshire area.

Several older people living in the area have been duped into handing over four and five-figure sums of money in August.

In these cases, criminals have phoned their victims at home and claimed to be police officers or from the bank.

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They scare them by claiming they are concerned about possible fraudulent use of their bank card which has been 'cloned' and convince the person that they are genuine. 

Victims then go to withdraw money and a person pretending to be a non-uniformed cop or bank official turns up at their door to take them money to assist with a 'police investigation'.

The force is now urging people to be on their guard following these recent frauds.

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Police officers or bank officials will never phone you and ask you to transfer or withdraw money.

They will also never attend your home to collect cash or bank cards.

If you are unsure, then verify it via a trusted method, such as calling the number on the back of your bank card. Do not call the phone numbers provided to you by a scammer.

Chief Inspector Aidan Higgins, who is the local area commander, warned the public.

He said: “I would like to reassure everyone that extensive enquiries are being carried out by a team of specialist officers to identify those responsible.

“This type of crime occurred in the area earlier in the year and a man was arrested and charged.

"Unfortunately, we are continuing to see this method being used to deceive and defraud members of our East Dunbartonshire community.

“It is important that everyone is aware of this scam and to be vigilant of such phone calls.

"Do not be fooled, even if the scammer uses your name and gives a plausible story. I would ask anyone with elderly relatives or neighbours to make them aware of this fraud as soon as possible.

“Police officers or your bank will never ask you to transfer money to another account or withdraw cash from your account to be uplifted by someone. They will never ask you to disclose personal financial information.

“Police or bank officials will never telephone you and ask you to withdraw funds to be collected later from you at home.

“These callous criminals prey on vulnerable people in our communities. They go to great lengths to appear legitimate, including having your personal details.

"The victims are persuaded to believe that they are assisting with a police investigation and are extremely upset and distressed when they find out they have been the victim of fraud.

“If you receive a call of this nature, do not engage with the caller and hang up. It is a scam. If you’re unsure, take a few moments to think. If you can, note the callers telephone number, hang up and contact police on 101.”

The simple message is - This is a Scam - Hang up the Phone – Do Not Engage - Do not withdraw cash to provide to a stranger.

Anyone with concerns can call police on 101.