A Perthshire MSP has warned of a lottery scam that has targeted some residents in Strathearn.
Roseanna Cunningham, who represents Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, is asking her constituents to be vigilant after learning of a woman who was taken in by the scam that has also hit other areas of Scotland.
Ms Cunningham said she had been contacted by the constituent who was caught out by a “con trick”.
“The woman realised at the very last minute that there was something not right about the situation and cancelled the credit card whose details she had handed over to the scammers,” Ms Cunningham said.
“Fingers crossed that action was taken in time to save her from having actually lost any cash, but this lady’s experience should serve as a salutary lesson to us all to keep our wits about us whenever someone is asking for financial details.”
She continued: “We can all fall for a con trick, we can all let our guard down just that one time and we can all be a little bit too trusting or unquestioning. But, thankfully, we can also all be forewarned and vigilant.
“These particular fraudsters, convincingly informing people of a supposed win on the ‘Commonwealth of Nations Lottery’, are apparently targeting Scots householders at present.
“The sensible advice from the police is that you should never give out any personal information, including bank details, to any unknown agency and remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
A police spokesperson said: “Investigations are under way following a number of reports where people have received letters about this fake lottery.
“We would remind everyone that they should never give out any personal information, including bank details, to any unknown agency.
“While the letters may appear official, it is important to validate any such communication, and seek further assurances that the firms involved exist and are aware of the letter.
“The fraudsters behind this scam are preying on people’s vulnerabilities.”
Anyone with any information or concerns regarding the scam should contact Police Scotland on 101.