Ayrshire's top cop is urging communities to 'stay vigilant' of 'fake police' scammers who are targeting vulnerable residents.
Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, divisional commander for Ayrshire, has reacted to reports that criminals have swept across the region and duped pensioners out of thousands.
On Tuesday it was confirmed that just under £60,000 was conned out of victims in Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock.
Earlier this month, South Ayrshire police launched a series of appeals after six reports were identified with victims aged between 70 and 85.
A source revealed to Ayrshire Live how the most vulnerable residents are being lured into car parks to part with their own cash after bogus callers tell them to withdraw money from their bank account due to fraudulent activity.
Crooks posing as plain-clothed cops are then taking the large sums of cash.
The operation has also been identified across Scotland with areas such as Tayside, the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway all reporting the elaborate scam.
Senior personnel at Police Scotland told how officers across the country were on the hunt for fraudsters as a mass leaflet drop began to help educate communities.
Superintendent Hilary Sloan from the partnerships, prevention and community wellbeing division said: "Be aware of phishing scams and verify that any link provided is genuine.
"If you receive something claiming to be from us requesting any form of payment, contact us via 101 to investigate this matter before parting with your money.
Chief Superintendent Hussain has pleaded with residents to be aware as he vows officers are treating the crimewave the utmost importance.
The divisional commander said: “This scam has affected members of the public in Irvine, Prestwick, Kilmarnock and Ayr and it’s a matter we are treating very seriously.
“Echoing Superintendent Sloan’s comments, I want to advise our communities to be vigilant for anyone attempting to extort money from you in this manner and to contact us via 101, or 999 in an emergency, if you believe someone is impersonating a police officer.
“Similarly, if you believe you have information that can help us identify these scammers, then please contact police immediately.”
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