Residents in Dorset have reported scam phone calls pertaining to be from a police officer.

Dorset Police have received reports from the public that scammers are calling up, giving the name of a police station, their name and collar number.

They then went on to talk about their Tesco card being used fraudulently, had they used it recently, and have a suspect they are looking at.

According to the police, on one occasion, the scammers then asked them to phone 999 for a crime number. If the call is made from the same phone, the scammers keep the line open so it tricks you into thinking you are speaking to the genuine police.

Police also said that on another occasion, the scammers asked the person to get some money out their bank and someone would be collecting it.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Many people feel silly, cross and angry at being caught out by these scammers.

“Please do not blame yourself. This is the scammers job, they are extremely believable, likable and draw you in with their chat. The Police will never call you asking for information like this.

“If you are at all concerned about a call you receive then put the phone down and if you can call police on a different phone or contact a trusted friend or family member to talk it through.”

If you think you’ve uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at https://orlo.uk/tsB9f/