WEST Fifers are being warned to watch out for a text message fraud after an increase number of cases in the area.

Police officers in Fife say a number of reports have been received where people have been conned into transferring sums of money to fraudsters after receiving text messages from what they believe to be family members claiming to be in need of urgent financial help.

In recent months, text messages have been received from unknown numbers purporting to be loved ones looking for help paying urgent bills.

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

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "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 any such contact.

"If ever in any doubt, contact your banking organisation 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."