POLICE have warned West Fifers after a pensioner was duped with a gift voucher scam in Dunfermline.

On Friday, September 21, a 71-year-old woman was called at her home and advised she was due a PPI reimbursement.

To obtain the funds, the victim was told to purchase a four-figure sum of gift vouchers from her local store, which she did before transferring these to the caller.

The woman subsequently contacted police on Monday after discovering that no funds had been sent to her bank account.

Constable Carol Crawford, from Dunfermline Police Station, said: "Scammers like this actively target elderly and vulnerable members of our communities and often sound extremely convincing.

"However, please be mindful that no legitimate finance company, bank or organisation will ever cold-call to request your personal information, or ask you to make payment in the form of gift vouchers etc.

"If you receive a call like this, please hang up and contact police immediately.

"We'd also ask the public to speak with elderly and vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours to advise them of such scams so others do not fall victim.

"Our website has a range of useful crime prevention advice available by visiting www.scotland.police.uk."

Those with information relating to this incident can contact Dunfermline Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 1153 of October 1. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.