The local area commander for Angus has warned residents “anyone can be tricked” by a growing scam market that costs the UK £3.5 billion each year.
Chief Inspector Gordon Milne spoke after the launch of an initiative to protect vulnerable people in the county.
Operation Carpus, a joint initiative between police and Angus Council’s trading standards and social work departments, will aid people at risk of harm from fraud.
About 200 people in Angus have been identified as vulnerable a number that is increasing each year.
Mr Milne said: “If you have lost money to scams or are worried that a family member may have been a victim, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“Scammers are very clever and anyone can be tricked by them. It is important that you don’t send any more money.”
The initiative, in partnership with Angus Council, comes after warnings against an email “spoofing” scam from fraudsters pretending to be 2012 EuroMillions winners Gillian and Adrian Bayford.
The Courier previously revealed how scammers, masquerading as Carnoustie woman Mrs Bayford and her husband, offered £800,000 “grants” to “five lucky individuals”.
“Recipients” would have to pay transaction fees of £110 to get it fees which would go straight into the wallets of criminals.
The multi-agency Angus Adult Protection Committee estimates 3.5 million unwanted telephone calls are made to Angus addresses each year four times the national average. Chairwoman Margaret Wells said the scale of unwanted and scam calls is “quite terrifying”.
To keep people safe from the risk of financial harm in Angus, community police officers are visiting those identified as potentially having been targeted by scams of these types. Officers are providing advice to prevent these people from becoming the victims of further scams, then instigating measures in conjunction with trading standards and the social work department to protect them and keep them safe.
Financial scams come in a variety of forms and examples include making promises of a cash prize, pretending to be clairvoyants, or pretending to be from a bank.
Council communities committee convener Donald Morrison said: “The work of our staff in trading standards, in partnership with staff in our joint NHS/social work adult care teams and Police Scotland on this issue of financial scams is both ground breaking and invaluable.
“It is an approach I know Angus Council is proud of, and I would encourage any victims to take advantage of the support that is available.”
Mr Milne added: “Take any letters you have received to your local Access office or Citizens’ Advice Bureau.”
Angus Council trading standards can also be reached on 01241 435600, the AccessLine on 08452 777778 or police on 101. Older people can also call the Silver Line at any time of day on 0800 4708090 for free advice.
Visit www.thinkjessica.com for further information and advice about postal scams and criminal phone calls.