St Andrews pub scam leads to ‘ringing the changes’ warning

Police in north east Fife are urging businesses to be vigilant for an ongoing fraud known as “ringing the changes”.

Officers in St Andrews received a report of the scam at the Whey Pat Tavern in St Andrews on Monday evening. Two men went into the premises and asked for money to be changed into different denominations.

While an assistant was dealing with their request, one of the men intentionally used “confusion techniques” by asking for other change before stealing the cash and running away.

Police say the men attempted to repeat the act at a second licensed premises in the town but were unsuccessful. Other businesses in the region are being asked to remain alert for this scam and report any similar incidents to police.

The suspects are described as being between 35 and 45 years old, of Eastern European appearance and wearing light-coloured collared shirts and light-coloured trousers.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.