BOGUS CALLER WARNING

Police Scotland is praising the actions of staff at a Kirkcudbright Building Society and a local solicitor after they intervened to prevent a local woman from being conned out of a substantial amount of money.

Staff at the building society intervened when the lady wished to withdraw money in order to pay for repairs to her roof after she was visited by a bogus workman touting for work.  The lady was driven to the building society to withdraw cash, however, vigilant staff intervened and contacted a local solicitor who challenged the worker who made off when questioned.  The vigilant staff also noted the registration number of the vehicle and got a good description of the male involved.  Police Scotland and Trading Standards are investigating the incident.

Inspector Stuart Wilson from the Community Policing Unit said: “This was a tremendous intervention by staff at the building society and it is what we have been asking financial institutions, such as local banks and building societies, to be aware of. They spoke with the customer as the pattern of such a large withdrawal was unusual and when they had doubts about the reason for the withdrawal of money they intervened and obtained valuable information which will allow us to investigate the person involved.”

“I would advise everybody to be wary of people touting for work.  Always ask for identification and never let people into your home that you have not asked to attend. If you are unsure call the police on our non emergency number, 101, and we will come and check them out.  If you are looking for work to be done ask for recommendations from friends or family for workmen they have used.  Ask for at least three quotes from different firms and have somebody with you when they come to see you. Never leave people alone in your home.”