Police are urging Helensburgh residents to be on alert as officers issue a warning amid a large increase of fraud cases.

These crimes commonly take the form of phone calls imitating businesses and official bodies, bogus callers, and social media scams.

They involve people giving over bank details unknowingly to malicious parties who are then able to use this information to steal cash.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Every day, Police Scotland receive hundreds of reports involving more and more sophisticated scams duping innocent people out of their savings leaving them not only at a financial loss but feeling distraught, embarrassed, isolated, and unable to cope.

“Most frauds are instigated via social media, e-mail, text, phone call or in person on your doorstep.

“If you receive any correspondence in these formats which seems too good to be true then it usually is.

“Fraudsters take many different forms: they could befriend you on social media or convince you they are a family member to the extent you transfer monies.

“They could turn up on your doorstep offering to carry out essential maintenance on your property, bogus callers.

“They could contact you on the phone saying they are from an official body, for example your bank, lawyer or Police and ask you to transfer money.

“They could pretend to be someone from a company claiming you have won a great prize and they ‘just need your personal and bank details’ for you to receive what is yours.”

To ensure residents do not become fraud victims, people are reminded to not enter any personal payment details or passwords into any website they are not 100 per cent sure is legitimate.

Additionally, people should check that the person they are conversing with is who they say they are by checking in person or contacting them by another means.

Lastly, locals are asked to stop the interaction if in any doubt and should ask a trusted friend or family member to check whether the website, company, or individual is legitimate.

Always contact Police Scotland if you think you have been the victim of fraud.

Contact your bank as they may be able to stop a payment. Trading Standards and Citizens Advice are always on hand to assist.