DORSET Police have received a number of reports of a debit card scam doing the rounds in the county.

Residents have received a call from a male purporting to be from their bank, informing them that they require a new debit card.

While they are on the phone, another man will come to their home address and when allowed entry, he will collect their ‘old’ debit card and in return give them a gift card in an envelope for their cooperation.

He will take the bank card and the person on the phone informs them that another appointment will be arranged for a new debit card to be supplied, but no new card arrives and by this time the card and details have already been used by the scammers.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Please be vigilant and make relatives and neighbours aware of this type of scam, especially elderly or vulnerable, the scammers can be very convincing.

“Please hang up on any similar calls, do not give out any personal information and do not follow instructions from cold callers.

“Before making another call from your phone, please test your phone by phoning a friend or relative to ensure that you are not still connected to the scammer.

“Please phone 999 if persons attend your property.”

Anyone with information on this scam should report it to Dorset Police by calling 101.

Information can also be passed on to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk