POLICE are urging people to be vigilant of scammers following an attempt to defraud a Borders resident of "several thousand pounds".

According to a police spokesperson, the Kelso resident received a call from a withheld number claiming to be from RBS “Fraud Squad” stating they were investigating fraudulent activity within a local branch.

They were instructed to withdraw several thousand pounds in cash and post it in a padded envelope to an address in England, says the spokesperson.

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"When the victim queried this, they a were advised to call them back on the RBS freephone number, however the line was kept open and the dialogue was continued," the spokesperson added.

"The victim was coached by the fraudster on how to answer all the bank security questions and instructed to keep the phone on when they were in the bank; Police would be listening and viewing on CCTV.

"Fortunately, the victim ultimately realised this was a scam and was able to recover the money from the post office before it was sent."

Following the incident, police issued advice to Borderers about scammers.

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"Banks will never ask customers to participate in internal fraud investigations," said the spokesperson. "If you receive any calls of this nature, terminate the call and consider contacting the organisation using the number you would normally contact them on NOT the number given by the caller.

"Ideally do this using a different phone (e.g. a mobile), as scammers can leave the line open. If this is not possible wait for some time and dial someone you know to check the line is clear before proceeding.

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