POLICE are urging residents to be vigilant against phone bank scams after a number of people reported falling victim in the last few days.

An appeal was released last week after four reports of a scam where the fraudster posed as a police officer.

Victims were informed of a possible fraudulent transaction in their bank accounts and advised to call the bank to report it.

The scammers then held the phone line open and when the victim tried to phone the bank, they were still connected to the fraudster, divulging bank details to them.

In the last few days, a further 11 crimes of a similar nature have been reported across the county.

Residents are reminded never to reveal personal banking details, never to hand over bank cards to strangers and not to allow unexpected callers in to their homes.

Detective Inspector Mark Samuel of Dorset Police said: “Banks or the police will never ask for a PIN number or ask for money to be transferred in this manner.

“If you are in doubt about the origin of a call, check with your bank. Use a different phone to call the bank to ensure the line has been properly cleared.

“We'd urge people to dismiss any calls they receive like this and report them to police by calling 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”