Trading standards warns of bank scam

The trading standards team at Orkney Islands Council is warning people to be aware of a scam involving fraudulent calls claiming to be from a bank.

The caller, who uses a withheld number and claims to be from the Bank of Scotland Fraud Department, says there has been an attempt to remove money to a foreign account and that they could stop any losses by transferring the money into a “safe” account.

The caller, does not ask for the person’s account details, but requests that money be transferred into an account and gave the sort code and account number details.

Trading standards officer Alison Campbell said: “This is different to other recent bank frauds as the caller had a British accent and did not ask the person being called to give their bank account details.

“A genuine call from your bank will result in numerous security checks and if in any doubt you should arrange to call your bank back after making sure your line has not been left open.”

Anyone who has concerns about calls of this nature should contact their bank or building society immediately and report any scams to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

OIC trading standards can be contacted on 01856 873535.