Annandale and Eskdale guest house booking scam warning
Police have issued a warning over a booking scam which has targeted hotels and guest houses in southern Scotland over the past few weeks.
Businesses in the Annandale and Eskdale area of Dumfries and Galloway have been at the centre of the attempted con.
It involves a caller seeking a room for his son, paying by card and asking for cashback to be given to his son on his arrival to help pay for car repairs.
Police want to hear from anyone who may have information about the scam.
A spokesman said: "A number of the calls have been treated as suspicious and no payment made, but police are aware of some where cash has been handed over to a man calling at the hotel, who shortly thereafter disappeared.
"The only description available of the caller is that he spoke good English, with an Asian accent.
"A description of the man who attends, purporting to be the son, is that he is of Asian origin, early 20s, slim build with short dark hair."