Police issue scam warning to Highland businesses
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Police are asking small businesses and cashiers to be on the lookout for a scam in which a man has conned people out of hundreds of pounds.
Officers said several stores – including a supermarket but mainly in-store post offices – in Elgin, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Beauly and Fort William have been targeted by a man wanting to change bank notes.
Detective Constable John Pinder said: "This is what's called a ‘ringing the changes' scam and it involves a person requesting that large notes be changed into smaller notes then changing their mind or distracting the cashier to get back more money than they gave, or take money without the cashier noticing.
"We are urging shopkeepers to be extra vigilant if you are asked to change large sums of money by a member of the public. If it's within store policy to do so, we'd advise calling a colleague or supervisor over to double check this.
"We're also asking anyone with information about these incidents, who maybe had this happen or an attempt at it but who have not yet advised police, to call us."
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
