PEOPLE across Dorset are being warned about a new phone scam in which fraudsters claim to be from one of the councils.

They are calling people across the county, claiming to be from the local council, offering to reduce council tax for a fee of £55.

Victims are being told that upon receipt of that fee they can reduce the council tax liability.

Briefholder for Community Safety, Cllr Mike Goodman said: "If it sounds too good to be true then it usually is.

"Police or anyone from the council will not phone people up at random and you should never ever give your bank details out."

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Kate Wheller said: "It is a worry. I think all we can say to people is if they get a phone call from someone to pay money for something always be very very careful."

If a representative from the council visits a resident they will always carry an identity card and if the resident is concerned they can contact the council to confirm the identity of the visitor.

The message ‘Hang Up On Fraudsters’ is being spread throughout Dorset and the South West in response to a spate of offences within the last 12 months.

Victim losses within the region are in excess of £2m with 700 reported crimes, and potentially many more unreported.

Residents across the county have been targeted by the offenders pretending to be police officers or banking advisors, and tell them that their bank accounts have been compromised in some way.

The victims, with confidence that they are speaking to a legitimate advisor, have then been instructed to transfer significant sums of money into the offenders account either online or by visiting their local bank.

On many occasions they have persuaded them to transfer or hand over large sums of cash.

Principle trading standards officer, Richard Herringshaw said: "People make calls about various things offering their services. Often the calls will be from abroad. People need to be very careful about giving out any personal information and you need to make sure you know who you are giving your information to. Things like this have been coming in waves and anyone who wants to report it should contact Action Fraud."

Dorset Police are urging people to never give them bank details out over the phone and to hang up immediately if they receive one of these calls.

Anyone with information about such scams should call Dorset Police on 101.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.