MP in bank scam alert

Nov 6 2008 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

RESIDENTS have been warned to be on their guard against a bank account scam that has hit Lanarkshire

Jimmy Hood, MP for Lanark and Hamilton East, has received a number of calls from worried constituents who have been asked to divulge their entire bank account details over the telephone.

Mr Hood said this week: "It is scandalous that con artists are now using the global financial crisis to target vulnerable people to con them out of the money in their bank accounts.

“I am told that pensioners, especially, are being targeted by people pretending to be from one of the major banks to say that because of bank name changes new cheque books, credit and bank cards have to be issued to them and that account numbers, pin numbers and security details are needed.”

Mr Hood urged people not to be fooled by the crooks.

“Banks never ask for personal details over the phone or on the internet,” he said. “Be warned - never give your personal details to anyone over the phone or respond to internet scammers.

“People should beware of this scam.”