A BUSINESSWOMAN has told how she almost fell for 'very convincing' phone scam after being targeted by a conman.

Rhona Wallace, owner of the Foresters House bed and breakfast in Inverkip, received a call from a man claiming to be from her bank.

He told her someone had tried to withdraw £4,000 from her account and it had been frozen.

When Rhona asked about his credentials he offered to phone on her mobile and check the number he was calling from against the one on her bank card.

It matched, leading Rhona to believe the call was legitimate.

The man stated he would 'unlock' her account and told her she would need to log in online.

Rhona felt this was suspicious and told him to call back so she could check - and the man hung up.

A quick call to her bank confirmed the call was not from them.

Rhona said: “He knew my name and my banking habits.

"He told me I had been in the bank and usually I’d spot that scam because I am never really in - but recently I had been.

“He seemed to tell me things he already knew, he was very convincing.

"I was so close to believing him but something told me to check it out.

“Being a business owner I have come across some scams before but this was so convincing and that was as close as I have ever come to losing my money.

“It was scary that it took me that long to work out it wasn’t genuine, as I am naturally quite a wary person."

Rhona posted a warning on social media in a bid to make people aware.

She said: “I would feel awful if I had heard about someone being conned out of money and I hadn’t warned anyone.

"It is easily done, people are trusting and he had so much information.

Sergeant Jason Logsdon of Greenock police says people should always be wary of cold callers claiming to be from their bank, utility firm or any other supplier or HMRC, especially if the call involves transferring money.

He said: “Fraudsters will use a number of different sophisticated methods to obtain personal information and ultimately access financial details in order to steal money.

“Reputable organisations should not ask you for your banking details or password by phone.

“Never share any personal details or financial details and do not be rushed or panicked into providing details or taking any action.

“Pause, think, ask, if in any doubt contact Police Scotland on 101 for advice.”