WARNINGS have been issued to Fifers after members of the public fell victim to a scam.

Police in Fife have received reports from people who have been conned into transferring sums of money to fraudsters.

Those duped received text messages from what they believed were family members claiming to be in need of urgent financial help.

Posting on social media, local cops said: "In recent months text messages have been received from unknown numbers claiming to be a family member looking for help paying urgent bills.

"They are then urged to transfer sums of money into the bank account of the fraudster.

"These fraudsters can be very convincing and go to extreme lengths to try and convince those that they are loved ones in desperate need of help.

"Police Scotland would urge everyone to be extra vigilant with any such contact.

"If ever in any doubt contact your banking organisations in a way you trust or visit a local branch.

"You should also contact Police Scotland on 101 if you believe you have been targeted by one of these scams."