FORMER PERTH and Kinross Provost Mike O’Malley is putting his life back on track after his bank accounts were raided by fraudsters.

The crooks hit Mr O’Malley and wife Kate for more than £40,000 within the space of 24 hours last month.

Eight separate withdrawals for sums of £5000 and £4000 were made, with additional sums heading out of their accounts soon after.

While the Bank of Scotland moved to replace the sum, ensuring that the former councillor for North Muirton is not out of pocket, the theft has had wide-ranging and traumatic consequences.

The couple’s accounts were plunged into overdrafts, while a host of direct debits and standing orders were cancelled.

The former provost even found himself in the bad books with Perth and Kinross Council.

Mr O’Malley was forced into a frenzy of activity as he sought to ensure bills were paid and, critically, that insurance policies did not cease.

The couple still dread the visit of the postman, fearing that there must be something they have missed.

The O’Malleys first became aware of the theft when they received a call asking them to visit their King Edward Street branch.

“I thought they were trying to sell me something,” said Mr O’Malley.

“However, I was asked if we had been making any large transactions.

“It turned out someone had been trying to put £39,000 into my account. I though it was Christmas.

“But then they explained that the cheque had bounced and that three accounts had been emptied.

“I was astonished as there was no way anyone should have got hold of our private details.”

Mr O’Malley reported the theft to the police and the bank’s fraud team were alerted.

However, these were just his first actions as the couple attempted to recover from the thefts.

“We ended up getting a letter saying we’d gone over our overdraft limit with a £2.95 cheque and would have to pay a £30 charge,” the former provost said.

“We’ve also had problems with cards being gobbled up by hole in the wall machines, BT threatening to cut us off and 02 doing just that with my mobile.

He added, “We’ve had to pick up the pieces.”

“The main thing was that our direct debits were stopped and we had to pay some with credit cards.

“We had things like contents insurance for the house and personal accident insurance that I didn’t want to be stopped.

Mr O’Malley was delighted by the help he received from staff in his branch, saying, “Staff at the bank in Perth have been excellent throughout.

“They have been sympathetic and supportive.

However he added, “The experience has been traumatic for my wife and I and lets just say my faith in the banking system has waned.”