PEOPLE in Clydebank are being urged to watch out after a local resident fell victim to an investment scam.

Police say a man living in West Dunbartonshire was duped online when trying to find a high interest account to invest money from the sale of their house.

The victim found a website that appeared suitable and entered his name and contact details.

They were called back, and sent an application form, and then asked to transfer funds in smaller batches of money into this new account purporting to be for Morgan Stanley.

But when the man went to his bank to transfer the funds, staff became suspicious - and after checking it out they realised it was a scam.

According to police, the call, email and process all appeared legitimate as scammers can be very professional in their approach.

Police are now urging people in the are to be vigilant and to take the following steps to avoid becoming a victim: 

  • Always get impartial financial advice before you hand over money or make an investment.
  • Reject cold calls related to investment opportunities.
  • Be suspicious of offers promising a safe investment, guaranteed returns and large profits.
  • Beware of future scams. If you have already invested in a scam or had contact with scammers, you are more likely to be targeted again or your details may be sold to other criminals.

Anyone who believes they may have been scammed should contact Police Scotland on 101 and make contact with your bank ASAP to help block any transactions that may be in progress.