The message below has been posted onto Police Scotland Forth Valley Divisional Facebook and Twitter social media pages.

People may pretend to be from your bank, the police, a utility company, a government department or someone else you usually deal with and trust, but never just assume someone is who they say they are.

If you need to call the police or your bank to check, wait five minutes and call someone you trust to make sure the phone line is free, or use a different line altogether. Staying safe from fraud. If in doubt “Take Five” and contact the official number of the organisations webpage, if possible use a different phone from the one you have received the call from.

If you receive a call of this nature, it is important to hang up the phone immediately and avoid giving any personal information.

PC Bryan Mackie says – Remember these simple facts to help spot fraudulent activity:

1. The police or your bank will never phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password, even by tapping them into your phone keypad.

2. The police or your bank will never ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping or to aid an investigation.

3. The police or your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account for fraud or investigation reasons, even if they say it is in your name.

4. The police or your bank will never send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud.
5. The police or your bank will never ask you to purchase goods using your card and then hand them over for safe-keeping.

6. The police or your bank will never ask you to lie to your bank about why you are withdrawing or transferring money.

7. If you are a victim of fraud and the crime is in action, or if you are in danger, always dial 999.

In a non-emergency, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visit visiting http://actionfraud.police.uk.

If you have any information regarding those responsible for fraudulent crimes, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit http://crimestoppers-uk.org.