Dorset Police have asked residents to start a conversation with vulnerable loved ones about courier fraud.

According to Action Fraud, victims of courier fraud lost more than £10m between August 2017 and July 2019.

A police spokesman said: "Please talk about courier fraud to family members, friends or neighbours who may be vulnerable."

Criminals typically carry out courier fraud by cold calling the victim, acting as a police officer or bank official to gain their trust. The fraudsters will usually claim there’s an issue with the victim’s bank account or request their assistance with an ongoing bank or police investigation.

The ultimate aim of this call is to trick them into handing over money or their bank details.

More information at: www.actionfraud.police.uk/beatthecourierfraudsters