SCOTTISH Borders Police have issued a warning to residents about fraudulent calls. 

The force has recieved several complains over phone calls claiming to be from a company claiming to have been appointed by the health board.

Constable for Police Scotland, Kirsty Neish said: "We have received a few complaints regarding phone calls from a company claiming to have been appointed by the health board.

"In one instance the caller stated the required bank details in order to remove the person from the system.  In the second call they were trying to sell health supplements.

"On a daily basis our communities are being regularly contacted by a variety of companies, it can become difficult to work out who is genuine and who is not."  

Here are some ways to help protect yourself from bogus callers:

  • Consider making your phone number ex-directory.
  • Don’t give out any 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 out your credit card or 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.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Contact local trading standards – they may be able to use approved ‘call blocking’ technology.