Telephone scam advice after businesss loses money in 'vishing' fraud
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Police in the Highlands are again urging businesses to be on their guard against telephone frauds after another business fell victim to a high value scam.
The business was defrauded out of a high six-figure sum of money within the last week.
The fraud involves companies receiving communications claiming to be from their bank, which have actually come from criminals.
They operate by stating that the business's account has been compromised or needs to be changed.
They then persuade the victim to transfer money, in a number of transactions, to a "safe account" - which actually belongs to the fraudsters.
This latest incident is one of several to have affected businesses in the Highlands and further afield across Scotland in the last few months.
It is estimated that more than £4million has been lost to this type of fraud across the country recently.
Detective Inspector Graeme Everest, of the economic crime and financial investigation unit, said: "It is always disappointing to receive a report of these tactics being employed against any business.
"The effect can be devastating for the businesses and people that fall victim of these scams and I would urge everyone to be on guard at all times against this type of activity.
"It's important to remember a genuine caller from your bank would never ask you to transfer money during an unsolicited call. Always be suspicious if someone claiming to be from your bank requests your bank or personal details - they should already have them.
"These callers can be very convincing and will use contact numbers and emails which appear genuine at first glance. It is important to be aware of the signs they are not who they say they are."
Key advice includes:
• The fraudsters often use spoof numbers, making the call appear as though it is coming from a genuine bank number. It is for this reason police advise that if you call your bank back, you should use a different phone to the one the initial call was received on.
• Always double check numbers you're given to call back on or call through an independently checked number, such as the main customer care number for the organisation and ask to be put through
• If you are concerned, consider visiting your local branch instead of speaking to someone over the phone
• Never give out a banking password or PIN number over the phone
• If you have concerns or suspicions report them to police as soon as possible on 101.
