A WARNING has been issued about gaming apps after an Inchinnan woman was conned out of tens of thousands of pounds.

The 61-year-old victim had been communicating online with another player on Words with Friends, a multiplayer game similar to the classic board game Scrabble, since the start of April.

The fraudster, who claimed to be from the US, told the woman that he wanted to send her gifts, but that he needed money to pay for border tax and stamp fees.

The victim sent various sums of money to the scammer over the subsequent months, which accumulated to over £21,000.

When the woman realised in this week that she was not being sent any gifts, she informed her family who urged her to alert the police. 

Cops are investigating the fraud and have urged Renfrewshire residents to be on their guard when dealing with strangers online.

A police spokeswoman said: “We would like to remind the public to stay vigilant when using the internet and online apps.

“Do not provide your bank details or send money to anyone until you are satisfied that they are legitimate.”

For more advice, visit scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/keep-secure-online/.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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