AN AYRSHIRE farmer has revealed how he was defrauded of thousands of pounds after falling victim to 'ghosting' – a scam where criminals impersonate bank staff in phone calls and emails.

The farmer – who wishes to remain anonymous – had agreed to buy a new machine from a machinery dealer and was negotiating, through phone calls and emails, a finance agreement with the bank. Half way through that negotiation, someone who still appeared to be his established contact at the bank replied to the email conversation with 'revised' account details.

The convincing email still bore the electronic signature of the bank with all the usual fraud warnings, telephone numbers and logos attached. The farmer duly sent the money to this account believing everything to be in order.

Shortly afterwards, the farmer received a phone call from the dealer chasing up the payment on the machine. When the farmer contacted the bank, they informed him that they had been unable to complete the transaction as he had suddenly stopped replying to emails half way through the conversation.

He had fallen victim to 'ghosting' – as the scammer had hacked an email account, removed the banker from the conversation and started mimicking emails from the bank. The bank involved has since launched an investigation into this in conjunction with Police Scotland's fraud team.

The farmer involved said: “Please be vigilant folks. Even in hindsight, and having reviewed the emails, the only indication that an intruder had taken over the email conversation with the bank was a very slight change in writing style – something that we simply assumed was a banker typing in a hurry!

“It was a very convincing scam that has stung us, leaving us several thousand pounds out of pocket and no guarantee that we're getting it back.”

With cybercrime against farm businesses becoming more and more of an issue, warnings about hi-tech fraud will form part of a rural crime event being held in Ayrshire on October 5, where the anonymous NFUS member will be used as an unfortunate example of the new dangers facing the sector.

The ‘Tackling Rural Crime Together – Back to Basics’ event, taking place at Dumfries House, in Cumnock, will offer workshops on cybercrime and how to avoid commonplace scams, as well as sessions on how to protect vehicles and property, and what to do if you witness wildlife crime on your farm.

Encouraging all members to register and attend, regional manager Christine Cuthbertson said: “Scammers are becoming increasingly devious when it comes to targeting businesses and this incidence of ghosting in the region must serve as a sharp reminder to all to be alert at all times. Whether it is your bank account, your property or your pick-up, the event at Dumfries House will offer back to basics guidance on how to protect what is yours."

Sergeant Alan McDowall of South Ayrshire Community Policing Team said: "Cybercrime can take many different forms therefore it is important to be aware of current and emerging trends involving this type of criminality. If farmers are unable to attend the event on October 5, information and advice is available within the Keep Secure Online section of the Police Scotland website.”