A WARNING has been issued after a Borders resident was conned out of £10,000 in a phone scam.

The incident happened on Wednesday.

A male caller, claiming to be from the Royal Bank of Scotland, said there had been unexplained payments on the victim's account and requested that they log on to internet banking via mobile phone and laptop. 

The fraudster was then able to transfer £10,000 from the account. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "The fraudster had also 'spoofed' the displayed number to show the genuine RBS contact number as shown on the rear of the debit card. 

"Please be wary of unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from banks or HMRC etc. 

"Never engage with this type of caller or click on links in emails. 

"Terminate the call or delete the email and contact the organisation using the number you would normally use, not the number given by the caller. 

"Do not be deceived by the incoming phone number displayed on your mobile or home phone as these are easily spoofed. 

"Never agree to transfer money between accounts based unsolicited contact like this."

ADVICE: What else can you do that will help protect you from bogus phone callers?
• Make your phone number ex-directory.
• Register with the Telephone Preference Service.
• Install a call-blocker to automatically screen unwanted calls.
• Don’t give personal information unless you are the one who made the call and you are certain of the identity of the person you are speaking to.
• Don’t give your credit / bank card details to strangers on the telephone.
• NEVER tell somebody your bank PIN number, even if they claim to be the bank or police. If the caller is genuine they will never ask for this information.
• Don’t give out information which may infer that you live alone, are older or vulnerable.
• Never send money to anyone who claims to have a prize for you.

For more information on how to stay safe, visit: www.scotland.police.uk