Scam callers trying to collect fake coronavirus fines

Members of the public have been warned to watch out for a scam caller claiming they owe money for breaching coronavirus restrictions.

The bogus caller, described as having a Glaswegian accent, phoned from a withheld number and pretended to be a police officer, attempting to con people out of a three-figure sum of cash in Clydebank.

The man claimed to be dealing with a reported breach of Covid-19 regulations and repeatedly said payment for a fine was due.

Police have slammed the behaviour as “despicable” and advised “only criminals will try to rush or panic you”.

If a member of the public receives a suspicious call they are given the following advice:

Don’t give out any personal information unless you are the one who made the call and you are certain of the identity of the person you are speaking to

Don’t give out information which may infer that you live alone, are older or vulnerable

Don’t give out your credit card, bank card details or pin number to anyone who calls you unexpectedly and demands payment

End the call and then, checking for a dialling tone, phone the company back on a number you have researched, be it on a bill or on their website, to check the original call was legitimate

A Police Scotland statement said: “Exploiting the coronavirus public health emergency to try and dupe people into handing over money is despicable.

“Thankfully on this occasion, the member of the public was suspicious and ended the call.

“We are encouraging everyone to be vigilant to scams and to share our advice with family and friends.

“Before parting with money or information take a few moments to stop and think – only criminals will try to rush or panic you.”