Warning after bogus council calls
Borderers are being warned not to hand over their bank details following reports of callers falsely claiming to represent Scottish Borders Council.
The local authority issued the alert after being made aware of two incidents involving people purporting to be council employees and asking residents for their banking information over the telephone.
Residents are being urged to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls or emails and not to disclose personal or financial details unless they are certain of the person’s identity.
People should also avoid clicking on links contained in unexpected messages, as these may be attempts to obtain personal information or install malicious software.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or email relating to Scottish Borders Council can contact the local authority directly on 0300 100 1800 to check whether the communication is genuine.
Residents who use personal alarm systems and receive a call concerning their alarm can press the alarm button to speak directly to a genuine call handler and seek reassurance.
Police Scotland has also issued advice to help people protect themselves from bogus callers, identity theft, fraud and other scams.
Its recommendations include considering making telephone numbers ex-directory and never providing personal information unless the resident made the call and is certain who they are speaking to.
People should not give their credit or bank card details to strangers over the telephone.
They should also never disclose their bank PIN, even if the caller claims to represent a bank or the police. Genuine bank employees and police officers will never ask for this information.
Residents are also advised not to reveal details which could indicate that they live alone or may be older or vulnerable.
Anyone claiming that a payment must be made before a prize can be released should also be treated with suspicion, and residents should never send money in response to such requests.
Those who believe they may have been targeted by a scam should contact their bank promptly if any financial information has been disclosed.