Tayside pensioners have been conned out of almost £220,000 by fraudsters.
Telephone “phishing” scammers, pretending to be from banks and other businesses, have targeted three local OAPs.
One of them was a 74-year-old Dundee woman who lost £140,000 after receiving a call from a person claiming to be from the fraud department of her bank.
Her bank is currently trying to retrieve her money.
A 75-year-old Montrose man was also singled out and convinced to transfer £74,000 into other accounts. His bank retrieved the funds.
On another occasion an elderly woman from Kinross was conned out of £5,000 by someone claiming to be from BT. The caller said her computer had been hacked and demanded her bank details.
PC Darren Moore said the incidents had taken place “this week”, adding that the elderly victims had been “targeted and scammed”.
He said: “These phishing scams can seem very realistic and genuine. Neither your bank or the police will ever ask for bank account details over the phone so please don’t give them out.
“If you’re unsure of the caller, hang up and contact your bank.”
Tayside Police Division added: “Police would advise residents to be alert to any phone call they receive from a person claiming to be from a bank, financial institution, business company either asking for money to be transferred or asking for a phone call to be made to the bank. Do not provide any of your details.
“If you do decide to call the bank, where possible call from a different phone line or mobile number. If in doubt, ask the caller to put a stop on your account and attend your branch in person.”
The force said people seeking advice should visit Cyberstreet or Get Safe Online.
