FIFERS must be on their guard as "extremely convincing" fraudsters have been conning unsuspecting victims out of money.

That's the warning from police after a number of successful online scams where members of the public were targeted on social media.

One crime involved someone claiming to be a family member looking for £290 to clear her debts, another involved someone asking for a loan of £290 and there was also a false Amazon account created in the victim’s name which was used to buy goods.

Inspector Stephen Kay, who works for Fife police, said: "A number of people have been targeted by fraudsters in recent days following different scams on social media sites.

“Victims have been encouraged to transfer their money into an account provided by the fraudster.

“The fraudsters are usually extremely convincing in their approach, taking steps to engage with the victim and win their trust.

"Please always be on your guard if you are contacted online by someone you don’t know.

“I cannot emphasise enough, if you have the slightest doubt, do not provide your details over the telephone or the computer.”

Police Scotland is working with a number of partners on the Shut Out Scammers campaign to direct the public to advice and support, including Trading Standards Scotland, Advice Direct Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch Alert, Age Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

You can find out more at https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/personal-safety/shut-out-scammers?fbclid=IwAR00iZgtW47zhQf21P27iXJaF9V4q9z-26UjTXHpRSD3zx2eJdwtTKDdsO4