‘Aggressive’ scammers spark spate of Highland incidents involving Apple iTunes vouchers, warns Police Scotland

Aggressive scammers are targeting Highland residents, police have reported after a spate of incidents.

Officers said that they had received several complaints from people targeted by a scam involving iTunes vouchers and gift cards.

"The victim receives a call or message from the scammer who will inform them that they owe money to a company, often HMRC and ask them to buy vouchers to repay the debt," said a police spokesperson. "These criminals are often aggressive and threatening in nature. They will ask for a high value of vouchers to be purchased and the codes sent to them.

READ MORE: Scam callers targetting NHS patients in the Highlands

"No genuine company or government department would ever make such a request and any call or message of this nature is a scam. Please do not be led to believe that you owe anyone money that can be paid through vouchers or gift cards.

"Always remember to be vigilant when receiving telephone calls or messages from unknown persons or companies."

They urged people contacted by a scammer to stop and take a moment to think before parting with any money or giving personal information.

Officers also advised that "it is okay to refuse any requests of which you are suspicious - only criminals will try to panic you, rush you or threaten you."

And they urged people to call police immediately if you believe you may have fallen for a scam and your bank if you think your details have been compromised.

"Please keep your vulnerable friends and relatives safe and be aware of this ongoing scam in our area," continued the spokesperson.

For more information visit www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds.