Scammers who say they’re calling from BT and TalkTalk have been targeting people in the north-east. Police have had reports of people in Aberdeenshire being targeted recently. The fraudsters have been phoning to say there’s an issue with a person’s internet router or that their computer has been affected by a virus. The victims are then asked to give the caller control of their PC and log into their online banking – at that point, funds are transferred. Sergeant Andy Sawers, of the Ellon community policing team, said: “Although we have done a lot to highlight the danger of scams, sadly, there are people who get taken in by the ever plausible excuses fraudsters use to gain a person’s trust and access to people’s bank accounts. “Becoming the victim of this type of crime can happen to anyone, however sadly it is often the older members of our communities who are targeted. “I would therefore like everyone to take our advice and also talk to older family members or friends about these scams and provide the following advice to them. “Never give any personal banking information out or allow access to your internet banking by anyone who calls you. “Fraudsters are experienced in giving entirely plausible reasons for needing your information but stand firm and do not give it out to anyone who contacts you. “If you are unsure and think there is a possibility of a call being genuine, end the conversation, wait half an hour and then call the company they are alleging to be from but use a phone number from their website or from genuine sales literature and enquire if they were trying to contact you. “Never feel obliged to give out information on the spot. “Fraudsters use the fact that they call unexpectedly, when you are least expecting it, to their advantage. “If anyone has or thinks they have been the victim of this type of fraud then please call 101 to report it. “It can be frustrating, deeply upsetting and embarrassing to be taken in by fraudsters but I would urge anyone who has been defrauded to report it.”
Scammers claiming to work for TalkTalk or BT are calling residents in Aberdeenshire and telling them there is either an issue with their internet router or a virus has infected their computer . If convinced , victims are requested to hand over control of their PC and log into their online banking , through which money is then transferred . Ellon community policing team 's Sergeant David Sawers said older people were primarily being targeted . He reinforced warnings to beware of those offering convincing reasons and urged the public to ask others not to give any information whatsoever to callers .