Police officers are urging the public to always be vigilant after a man in the Anstruther area was defrauded out of more than £6,000.
The man received a phone call from someone claiming to be from his internet service provider about an alleged issue with his broadband.
The caller advised the man to log into his computer, open his most used websites and apps and then give the caller remote access to his computer to run a scan for virus software.
The man later discovered that his computer was no longer working and that money had been withdrawn in a number of transactions from his bank account.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland: “We would advise people to always be wary of unknown callers and never provide anyone you don’t know with access to your computer or personal information.
“If you receive a call like this, advise the caller that you will contact the company on your own terms and hang up.
“Call your broadband provider directly on a different phone, as fraudsters can keep the line open and intercept any further calls.”
Police have urged anyone who thinks they have been a victim of fraud to contact their bank immediately and call Police Scotland on 101 when possible.
Anyone who wants more advice on bogus callers can also visit the Action Fraud website at
http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/node/257
.
