Retailers in Angus are being urged to be on their guard against a fraud scam known as ‘ringing the changes’ after a recent incident in Montrose.
A man and two women entered the Tesco store on Western Road at about 8.30pm on Friday before conning staff and making off with a three figure sum of money.
The scam involves staff exchanging substantial sums of money to a seemingly innocent customer who asks for change and uses some well-rehearsed conversation and sleight of hand to take full advantage of the shop worker.
One of the women is described as being aged 25-35 years old, with long brown-coloured hair and spoke with broken English. She was wearing a brown-coloured short leather jacket and blue-coloured jeans.
The other woman is described as five feet six inches tall with black-coloured hair and also spoke with broken English.
Gary Brown, Inspector in relation to Community Policing in Angus said: “We would urge all retailers to ensure that their staff is aware and alert to this type of incident as it can and often does involve quite large amounts of money. This can often occur due to staff being busy carrying out their respective duties whilst under pressure such as large customer influx and or even the desire to provide customer satisfaction. It provides an ideal opportunity for the criminal to confuse or distract counter staff. Customer service is important however staff have to be alert and suspicious to any customer requesting large denomination notes to be changed, or those who wish to cancel transactions once cash is on the counter.
“Where this happens consider calling on another colleague for assistance, or if in any doubt politely decline the request and notify the Police. Many retailers now display signs informing customers that they will not exchange large amounts to discourage such behaviour”
Anyone who has information that could assist the police iis being urged to contact Tayside Division on 101, or speak to any officer. Anonymous information can also be passed to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.