Dorset Police received reports of a large number of fraud related incidents in the Bridport area during November.

These phone scams consisted of the caller introducing themselves as a police officer or a member of bank staff.

They went on to say that they either had a suspect in custody who had been using the victim's bank details, or that the bank staff were involved and were corrupt.

A police spokesperson said: "They will keep you on the phone sometimes for hours, often request you to leave your phone live and off the hook.

"They will ask you to assist with their investigation, go to the bank and withdraw several thousands of pounds. They will promise that you will get the funds back after they have checked it.

"They will tell you to tell lies to the bank staff when they ask you questions about your withdraw.

"On your return home they will ask you to read out some serial numbers on the notes and will tell you that the notes are counterfeit.

"They will then ask you to either wrap up the notes and send it special deliver to address provided. On your return from the post office, they will ask for the tracking number so they, can track the package.

"Or they will send a courier/person to your home address who will be part of the scammers team. The courier will give you a password that the courier will give you when picking up the package."

Police have offered the following advice:

Remember

1. The Police or the bank will never ask you to assist with any investigation
2. The Police or the bank will never ask you to remove money or transfer your money from your account.
3. The police or the bank will, never attend your address to pick up bank cards or cash.

If you have been subject to this scam, contact Dorset Police on 101 or email [email protected]