POLICE are investigating whether fraudsters targeting the Borders through a computer software scam are based as far away as India.
A Peebles women is £65 out of pocket after being duped into purchasing a trial version of a maintenance programme which did not exist.
The woman was called last Thursday at her home by a man with an Indian accent claiming to be from a company calling themselves Mircosoft Support Technical.
The homeowner was persuaded to use her debit card to buy the trial, which the caller said would remotely look after her laptop. However, she later discovered that no work had been carried out and was unsuccessful with subsequent attempts to contact the phone number provided by the caller.
Enquiries carried out by police confirm that this is a global scam, possibly originating from India.
A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: “Unfortunately, the people involved in these types of scams go to great lengths to convince people that they are purchasing an authentic item or product.
“We would encourage people not to purchase any item over the telephone and in particular, refrain from passing bank details or debit card details to people unknown to them.”
The spokesman added: “If people believe they have been a victim of a similar scam, they should contact their bank to cancel their account and contact police immediately.”
Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 01450 375051.
It is the latest scam to hit the region after a series of incidents this year.
In August, a Jedburgh pensioner lost over £1,200 after received a fake email from a friend requesting financial assistance to pay bills in Spain.