Seven arrested after Fife bank staff tip-off cops using new banking protocol

Cashiers at Bank of Scotland branches in Leven and Cupar became suspicious when an elderly woman wanted to withdraw money for work at her home in Methil on May 30 and 31.

Police say another man tried to cash a cheque in relation to work at a female pensioner’s house in Dunblane.

The police tip-off was part of the “Banking Protocol” fraud prevention scheme which has been in place in Scotland since March.

Six men aged 59, 52, 42, 32, 17 and 16 have been arrested in connection with the Methil incident.

A 66-year-old man has been charged in connection with the Dunblane incident.

Det Insp Gordon Burns, of the economic crime and financial investigation unit, said: “In both cases, the first we were aware of suspicious activity was when bank staff called police to invoke the protocol.

“Our service advisors are trained to immediately flag up such calls so that officers can assess and attend straight away, to help vulnerable customers and take any action as required.

“Inquiries are continuing in both these cases and we will continue to work closely with all our banking partners and Trading Standards to tackle doorstep crime and fraud.”