POLICE officers in Dumbarton and the Vale have been campaigning to warn residents that anyone can become a victim of bogus callers.
Between April and September 2018, more than £700,000 was taken from Scottish householders through 249 cases of doorstep and bogus crime.
Police Scotland launched a campaign last week – Shut Out Scammers – to raise awareness of offenders who cold-call people at their homes and scam them out of money.
On January 24, this year, a 73-year-old pensioner was robbed of a four-figure sum from her home at Willox Park.
Officers attended West Dunbartonshire Council office on Church Street as part of a roadshow to promote the campaign and offer advice on how to prevent doorstep crime happening.
Read more: Police appeal after bogus caller robs Dumbarton pensioner
Half of victims are said to be vulnerable, but officers are warning that all householders can be targeted by fraudsters.
Chief Superintendent John McKenzie, who leads Safer Communities, said: “Nobody is immune to this kind of crime. It is incredibly invasive, and victims often feel embarrassed about being deceived.
“We take doorstep crime very seriously and understand the significant impact it has on victims. It is vital that people report crimes to us when they happen.
For more information visit scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/Shut-Out-Scammers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here