Pensioner conned out of thousands

A pensioner in the Borders has been conned out of a five-figure sum of money in a phone scam.

The 71-year-old was called at his home in Galashiels by someone claiming to be from his bank. He convinced the man his internet account had been hacked and got him to transfer thousands of pounds.

The victim suspected he had been defrauded and contacted his bank who confirmed they had not been in touch and the police were called. Det Sgt Callum Peoples said: “In these scams the caller will seem convincing.”