Elderly woman targeted by fake pharmacist asking for money

Elderly residents in Fife are being warned to 'remain vigilant' after an uptick in scam calls.

31st Mar 2023

Elderly residents in Fife are being warned to “remain vigilant” after an uptick in scam calls over the last two weeks.

It comes after a woman in the High Valleyfield area received a call from someone pretending to be from her pharmacy on Wednesday, March 29.

She was asked to make a payment over the phone as her medication was ready, and nearly did so – until a family member stopped her.

Police Scotland has warned that several elderly Fife residents have received unsolicited phone calls over the past two weeks which are scams.

All the incidents specifically involve pensioners receiving a phone call from someone pretending to be from their pharmacy, advising that a payment must now be made for medication to be delivered.

“Do not trust any unexpected correspondence,” Sergeant Rebecca Sommerville from Resolution Team East said.

“If you feel the need to reply to correspondence to check the authenticity of a contact, please, only use the company’s verified official website and the communication methods detailed upon it.

“Especially where money is being requested, be it physically withdrawing it from the bank or the electronic transferring of it, always, stop, think and check with a friend, relative or neighbour before taking any action.

“Any victims of such crimes, or anyone with any concerns can contact Police Scotland via 101.”