Ross-shire business put on alert over 'ringing the changes' after fraud reported to police
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BUSINESSES in Ross-shire are being urged to be on their guard following a recent report in the Highland capital of a fraud commonly known as "ringing the changes".
It involves a person asking a member of staff to exchange a large sum of money for them into notes of smaller denominations or a different currency.
While doing this they deliberately confuse the staff member assisting with the transaction in order to obtain more money than they started with.
An incident was reported around 3.30pm on Wednesday, April 3 at a business in the Keppoch Road area of Culloden where what police described as "a mid-three figure sum of cash" was stolen using this method.
Officers are seeking to speak to a man in connection with the incident, described as being in his mid-30s, around 5ft 4in and of thin build.
He spoke with a eastern European accent and was wearing a dark jacket, jeans, a hat and had dark hair.
Enquiries are ongoing and police are urging businesses to be on their guard against any further suspicious behaviour.
Inspector Les Davidson said: "All business owners and their staff should be alert and aware to this type of scam. In particular you should watch out for anyone asking for a large sum of money to be exchanged into smaller notes or into a different currency..
"These unscrupulous criminals employ sleight of hand to leave with more money than they started with and it is possible they will target a busy period which can provide an ideal opportunity to confuse or distract you. It is better to be safe than sorry and if you are in any doubt consider asking another colleague for assistance or politely decline the request and notify the police.
"This type of criminal tends to travel widely employing this scam and I would urge people throughout Inverness and across the Highlands to be aware of the risk."
Anyone who has information that could assist with this inquiry is encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference NN2291/19.
Anonymous information can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
