Police have launched an investigation after a pensioner was duped into transferring thousands of pounds into another account.

The fraud happened over two phone calls on Friday and Monday when the 86-year-old man from the Borders was contacted by a man claiming to be from the Royal Bank of Scotland fraud unit.

The victim, from Peebles, was told there had been fraudulent activity on his accounts and was required to transfer a five-figure sum into a holding account.

The money was then transferred by separate transactions and the calls terminated.

Detective Inspector Arron Clinkscales, of the organised crime unit, said: "On this occasion it appears that the caller has informed the male that this information came from his local branch and that the police were also aware.

"Often these fraudulent callers sound extremely convincing and authentic, but we would urge the public to remain vigilant.

"If they are in any doubt that it's genuine, hang up the phone and report the matter to their bank and the relevant authorities, who take scams and bogus callers of any kind very seriously."