Phone Scams Target The Elderly In Highland Area

22nd January 2015

Police Scotland are advising members of the public to be aware of possible telephone scams operating in the Highlands after recent reports from members of the public and local businesses.

Police in the Ross-shire and Inverness areas were alerted to a phone scam this week following two separate reports of an unknown caller contacting elderly individuals, explaining that they had won an amount of money. They were encouraged to send sums of money via supermarket 'pay points' in order to receive the promised cheque.

Fortunately, the individuals involved did not go through with the requests of the caller and reported the matter to the police.

If you receive similar calls, police advise that you do not give out any personal or financial information, ask for a number on which to call them back and hang up the phone. You should never give out your personal or financial information to anyone during an unsolicited call.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected fraudulent calls to the police on 101 and to share advice with family, friends or neighbours who may be affected.