Five figure sums of money stolen from three different Edinburgh residents in telephone banking fraud

Three Edinburgh residents have fallen victim to telephone banking fraud with each having five figure sums stolen from their bank accounts
Hang up on fraud, people have been urged. Hang up on fraud, people have been urged.
Hang up on fraud, people have been urged.

The victims told police that they received telephone calls from someone with a local accent, claiming to be from the fraud team of their local bank and who appeared to be calling from a genuine bank telephone number.

The caller then asked them to transfer funds into a separate account which appeared to be operated by the fraudsters.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police Scotland have said that the fraudulent calls were made over four days between September 21 and 24. All of the victims had five figure sums of money stolen from their accounts.

Fraudsters are targeting victims over the phoneFraudsters are targeting victims over the phone
Fraudsters are targeting victims over the phone

PC Greig Stephen, of the Prevention, Intervention and Partnerships team in Edinburgh, said: “Those targeted by these incidents have been left shaken by what has happened and I would urge everyone to be wary of any online or telephone scams that are related to finances.

“If you are speaking to someone on the phone, please do not give them any personal information or bank details, even if they seem to know some of your details already."

He added: “Many fraudsters use advanced techniques to make them appear genuine and it is important to remember that your bank would never ask you to transfer money to

another account.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police Scotland urge members of the public to be vigilant advising anyone who receives a call like this to politely hang up and contact their bank to discuss any irregularities surrounding their accounts.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director