POLICE have issued a warning after attending the address of a vulnerable member of the public had been a victim of a gift card scam.

Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team attended the address and urged people to report scams to Action Fraud.

A spokesperson for Poole Police said: “Anyone being asked to pay a bill, transfer money or invest using gift cards such as Google Play Store and Amazon via a cold call or unusual request is being targeted by a scam.

“Scammers frequently use gift cards as a form of payment as there is often no ability to reimburse a gift card once it is purchased.

“It is also difficult to trace who is spending it as it doesn't hold the same tracking as a bank account would.

“No legitimate company would request a payment for something using gift cards. Only use them to make purchases at the corresponding store or website.

“Please pass this information on to friends, families and communities that would benefit from this information.

“If you believe you have been scammed, please report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and 101 online.”