OFFICERS from the Ayrshire Police Division visited sheltered accommodation in Troon to provide input on bogus workmen and telephone scams.

Last week, PC Mark Wason attended at the South Ayrshire Sheltered housing accommodation Mill Rock Court to give information to residents on bogus workmen and scams – an initiative called Operation Monarda was previously launched to target bogus workers who can often be very convincing.

Between April and September last year, it is understood that 336 victims of doorstep crime were defrauded out of around £420,000 - while most victims were considered vulnerable in some way (54%), or were of pensionable age (79%), a significant proportion were outwith these groups which are traditionally targeted by such offenders.

PC Mark Wason, Community Safety Officer in South Ayrshire, said: “It is important that we raise awareness of these types of incidents and help stop people becoming a victim to scams. I would ask that we all take time to consider who is calling, who they are purporting to be and consider what they are asking for.

“I would also ask that we all look out for and pass the preventative advice onto family, friends and neighbours who may not be online.”

Remember - HMRC and other Government Departments will never use texts to tell you about a tax rebate or penalty or ever ask for payment in this way, telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed. You should never trust the number you see on your telephone display and if you receive a suspicious cold call, end it immediately. 

Further safety information is available on the Police Scotland website http://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/identity-theft-fraud-and-scams