Castle Douglas is to host a financial harm awareness day on Monday to help people avoid being taken in by fraudsters.
The multi-agency initiative in the town hall will be open to the general public with no need for an appointment.
Staff from Police Scotland, the Bank of Scotland, trading standards, Citizens Advice, the council’s community safety team and victim support will be on hand to offer support and advice on any concerns linked to frauds or scams.
PC John Brown, the police lead on the campaign, warned that methods being used by criminals to target victims are becoming ever more sophisticated.
He said: “Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and even the police.
“They will often spend hours researching people and current trends with a view to utilising a fraud – also known as a scam – which on the surface may appear to be genuine.
“All this would be with a view to causing the innocent party some form of financial harm.”
The 12pm to 3pm event comes amid a flurry of false phone calls and texts from crooks trying to part people from their cash. Recent instances include attempted online banking thefts and fraudulent texts advising recipients to “claim” electricity discounts.
PC Brown said: “Our advice would be to always take a moment to stop and think before you consider parting with any money or personal details.
“Never be rushed into making any decision which you’re wary of as only a criminal would rush you for an answer. If you feel that you may have been the victim of a scam, please tell someone.
“It is important that scams are reported as soon as possible in an effort to prevent financial loss. This may be through your bank, citizens advice or other third party agency.
The action day will be followed by various pop-up events at local venues as well as social media posts.
