FRAUDSTERS are now using background hold music in a bid to make their calls more convincing, Dorset Police have warned.

Organised crime groups are attempting to defraud members of the public by impersonating the customer’s bank and according to a convicted fraudster the methods used by them are evolving.

The City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has been made aware that fraudsters are now using background music, similar to that used by the bank, when the customer is put on hold. The fraudsters use this music as an attempt to convince the customer that the call is genuinely from the bank.

Dorset Police are therefore reminding residents to remain vigilant. 

If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what appears to be your bank or building society asking for your security details, never reveal your password, login details or account numbers. 

If you are concerned about the source of a call, hang up and call your bank back on the legitimate phone number printed on your bank statements or other official bank documents. 

Stephen Proffitt, deputy head of Action Fraud said: “Fraudsters are constantly developing new ways to make their calls more convincing so members of the public need to remain vigilant. If you receive a cold call purporting to be from your bank, always end the call as soon as possible and call your bank back using the number on the back of your bank card or statement and ask to be put through to the fraud team. 

"Tell them exactly what has just occurred. If you believe your bank details may have been compromised, you should report this to your bank immediately.” 

Other scams are continuing to circulate in Dorset.

A resident in Yetminster recently received a scam telephone call. The caller claimed to be from an insurance company that could reduce the cost of payments the resident was making on warranties they had for household equipment. 

The caller had some details relating to the resident and sounded genuine, and then went on to ask for bank or credit card details. 

At this point in the conversation the would be victim who was aware that this was a scam call, hung up.

Dorset Police are also still receiving a number of calls regarding a scam whereby the caller tries to scam the victim into believing there was an issue with her computer.

If you are the victim of a scam or wish to report a scam you can do so by contacting Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.