Police have praised a quick-thinking Buckie shop worker for preventing an elderly couple being scammed out of hundreds of pounds.
The couple, in their 70s, turned up at a store at the High Street asking to purchase a significant quantity of Google vouchers.
It later emerged they had been contacted on the phone by a person who duped them into believing they were in line for a windfall which could be redeemed by buying gift cards in the first instance.
Realising that something was not quite right at the till-point, the shop worker quickly contacted police to raise her concerns that the pair might be the victim of a scam.
Officers are now investigating the shameful incident and are continuing to urge the public to be on their guard.
Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson said: “Had it not been for the actions of this quick-thinking shop worker, the couple could have been several hundred pounds of out pocket with the potential to be targeted again and again.
“Sadly these scammers are becoming ever more professional and resourceful, usually targeting people that are perceived to be more vulnerable and more likely to be pressurised into thinking that the deal is real.
“It is callous and beyond comprehension and certainly won’t be tolerated.
“Thankfully with a bit of knowledge and awareness in this case a great deal of heartache and further financial distress has been avoided.
“I would like to thank this worker for not only stepping in but for the professional way in which she handled the situation. It can be upsetting finding out you have been the victim of a scam but I believe it was dealt with calmly and respectfully.
“I would also appeal to the public again – no matter where you live – to be on your guard of such scams and to ensure more vulnerable neighbours, family members and friends are aware of the dangers.
“In saying this, people who think it will never happen to them can also fall victim as scammers are becoming increasingly believable and know what tactics to use to force their victims into acting in a way they never imagined they could.
“Ultimately, if a stranger contacts you with an offer that seems too good to be true, it’s likely that it is. Anyone with concerns about scam calls should contact Police on 101.”
