A CITIZENS advice group in Dorset is offering residents in Weymouth and Portland advice about scams following a rise in victims of fraudulent behaviour.

Citizens Advice Central Dorset, which is the branch for Weymouth and Portland, has asked scam victims or those who come across potential scams to contact a number for free, impartial and confidential help.

It comes after the advice bureau for central Dorset, which is based in Acland Road, Dorchester said there has been a rise in scams due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesman from Citizens Advice Central Dorset said: "Many new scams are around at the moment because of coronavirus.

"Scams to look out for include advertising face masks or medical equipment at high prices, emails or texts pretending to be from the Government, emails offering life insurance against coronavirus, or people knocking at your door and asking for money for charity."

The bureau is urging the public not to give money or personal details.

Instead call 0808 250 5050, or visit citizensadvice.org.uk/scamaction