ALERT - Ringing the changes scam

Police are asking businesses and cashiers to be on the lookout for a scam which has conned people out of hundreds of pounds in the Fife area in August 2026.

A number of shops, supermarkets and a post office have been targeted in areas including Cupar, Pittenweem, St Andrews and Rosyth. A man and a woman have entered the businesses, asking for larger notes in exchange for their smaller denomination notes. The pair then cancelled the transactions but only handed back some of the money, without the cashiers realising and it is only discovered after they have left the store.

Chief Inspector Kieran Marsh said: "This is what's called a ‘ringing the changes' scam and we are urging shopkeepers to be extra vigilant if you are asked to change large sums of money by a member of the public. If it's within store policy to do so, we'd advise calling a colleague or supervisor over to double-check this. 

“We would encourage anyone with concern or information about such frauds in their area to please contact police on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”