Police in Castle Douglas are warning residents to be on their guard after a local person was targeted by persistent online fraudsters.
The scam involves a message sent via social media or text purporting to be from the intended victim’s son or daughter.
Sergeant Colin Scott said the con was particularly callous because it played on parents’ understandable concerns about their children’s welfare.
He said: “The number is not one you recognise because they claim that they’ve had to change or a borrow a phone to call you as theirs isn’t working.
“They also say they aren’t in a position to take a call from you to speak direct.
“Then they go on to say they need a cash loan desperately – often stating they may be in danger if this is not sent.
“They then provide an account again which is not recognised but one they have set up especially for this payment.
“It is of course a scam.”
