A locally based student recently fell victim to a scam involving fraudsters posing as Police Scotland officers.
The student received a call from an automated message stating their National Insurance number had been compromised. When they followed the instructions to speak to an operator, they were connected to a woman claiming to be from the Police Crime Branch. She falsely informed the student that their name was linked to multiple fraudulent bank accounts sending money overseas.
Shortly after, a man posing as a Police Scotland Inspector called back, instructing the student to purchase £1,000 worth of Apple gift cards to prove their innocence, falsely claiming the money would be refunded. The student was told not to mention police involvement and to say the gift cards were for their partner.
After sharing the details via WhatsApp, the money was immediately stolen.
How to Spot a Scam Call
- Urgency – Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
- Unusual Payment Methods – Legitimate agencies do not request gift cards as payment.
- Lack of Verification – Fraudsters avoid providing official documentation.
- Unfamiliar Numbers – Be cautious of unknown callers requesting personal details.
- Request for Gift Cards – Never share gift card codes over the phone.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not share personal information.
- Verify the caller's identity by contacting the organisation directly.
- Report the scam to Police Scotland: www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/