RESIDENTS in Dorset are warned to be vigilant for telephone scams.

Fraudsters attempted to obtain bank details by impersonating a police officer.

A report was received at 2.36pm on March 11 of a call to a woman in Weymouth aged in her 70s from someone purporting to be from the fraud squad. They told the victim she needed to transfer her money to a safe account.

 Dorset Police said that at 1.28pm on the same day, Dorset Police received a report from a Poole woman, aged in her 80s, that she was called by someone who claimed to be a police officer in Croydon.

They said her bank card had been used fraudulently to purchase a washing machine.

The woman did not provide her bank details and ended the phone call.

A similar call was made earlier on the same day at around 9.30am to a man aged in his 70s in the north Dorset area. It is reported that the caller said he was from London Police and asked the man to confirm his address, before the line disconnected.

Fraud Investigator Shane Cherrett, of Dorset Police, said: “Thankfully, no bank details were passed in any of the three incidents and the victims were given advice and support.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have been targeted in a similar way recently to please get in touch.

“Our advice is very simple. Always be aware and take steps to verify the identity of a caller who is asking for money. A genuine caller will not mind waiting or calling back to allow you to do this.

“The police will never ask for personal information over the phone and neither will your bank.

“If you are concerned about the validity of something – stop and speak to someone for help and advice.

“Anyone with concerns can contact Action Fraud or Dorset Police.”

For information and advice about scams in Dorset, go to the Fraud Alert page of our website – www.dorset.police.uk/fraud. To contact Action Fraud call 0300 123 2040.

Anyone who has information about the scams or who wishes to report an offence can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.