Police warn against scamsters

Nov 21 2012 by Nicola Findlay, East Kilbride News

Police are warning residents to beware of being fleeced during the festive period after a number of conmen targeted elderly householders in the town.

An 86-year-old man in East Kilbride fell victim to a bogus caller.

The man, who was not classed as a vulnerable elderly person as he leads a very active life, handed over £500 to men who said they would carry out insect extermination.

And a woman also contacted the News after her elderly brother narrowly missed falling victim to scamsters.

Last week, the man was contacted by phone saying he was owed £900 from a pension fund - but in order to have the money transferred into his account he had to give the 16 digits number on his debit card, which he did.

Thankfully, the man realised there was something not right about the call and cancelled his bank card.

But the following day he received another call from the same company telling him if he made out a cheque for £196 and met an agent in Calderwood Square he would be given the money he owed, which had risen to £2000.

His sister told the News: “Obviously, any cheque he received would have bounced and, thankfully, he didn’t lose any money.

“I just want to warn other elderly residents.

“The people who contacted him seemed to know his address and that he lives near Calderwood Square.

“It would be very easy for someone to be conned as these people are so clever.”

Constable Matt McCabe of East Kilbride Community Policing Unit, is warning residents to guard themselves against bogus callers, whether it is tradesman calling at the door or companies looking for bank details over the phone.

He said: “Never engage with any people who cold call at your door, or on the phone purporting to be from whatever trade and offering to carry out work.

“You are under no obligation to open the door or speak to these people and I would advise you not to unless you have a pre-arranged appointment with a builder or tradesman whom you know and trust.”

He also warned residents to never hand over bank details over the phone and to immediately contact their bank if they think they have fallen victim to a scam.

Anyone who is concerned about scam calls or wants to report an incident can contact East Kilbride police on 01355 564000.

Trading Standards in South Lanarkshire can also be contacted with any information about bogus callers or scam phone calls on 08457 406080.