Residents have been warned about a new fraud trend, with callers pretending to be from the police.

Officers issued the notice after a number of reports in recent days of residents being contacted in an attempt to get personal information.

Police Scotland reminded the public they never ask for bank details or ask to transfer funds or withdraw cash.

The force said in a statement: "We have received multiple reports over the past few days that people are being contacted over the phone by someone claiming to be a police officer.

"This person has been making false claims that people are the victims of credit card fraud in an attempt to obtain personal information.

"You can verify the authenticity of any contact from Police Scotland by taking a note of the officer's name and shoulder number and contacting 101."

They also issued a list of things officers never do:

  • Ask for your bank card PIN number
  • Ask you to transfer money from your account
  • Ask you to withdraw cash or buy foreign currency
  • Ask you to hand cash or bank cards to a courier or anyone else
  • Ask you to pay a fine or fee to them or a third party over the phone or online
  • Ask for remote access to your phone, computer or any other device
  • Ask you for online banking login details including passwords
  • Ask you to enter your personal details into an attachment they send you or a website they direct you to
  • Ask you to assist in an investigation by doing any of the above
  • Ask you to keep their contact with you a secret and not tell anyone
  • Ask you to memorise lines to say if bank staff ask you any questions
  • Be threatening or abusive towards you.

Police added: "If you experience any of the above, or anything else which makes you feel uncomfortable, seems unusual, unexpected or simply doesn't feel right, stop.

"You should take note of the officer's details and contact 101 to authenticate these details."