Police have issued a warning after reports of people calling victims from west Dorset purporting to be police officers.

Dorset Police said they had received three reports between November 10 and 11 about the incidents.

The offenders raise an issue regarding counterfeit money in the victim’s account and obtain personal and banking details.

Dorset Police said the offenders then ask the victims to make withdrawals at a bank - once at home the victim is then asked to read bank serial note numbers to the offenders, who state the notes are fraudulent and that an officer will attend to collect the money. They are told that the same amount of money will be paid back into their account to cover their loss.

The victims are told to tell bank staff that the withdrawal is for a vehicle, or to assist a child, so suspicions are not raised.

They will also ask the victim to remain on the phone as they visit the bank in order to stop other people accessing their line, monitor the progress of the scam and add information if they need to control the victim further.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We would urge anyone with doubts about the validity of a caller to take steps to verify their legitimacy and ring them back via an official, publicly available number, which for Dorset Police would be 101.

"Never give personal information such as bank details out over the phone.

"The offenders appear to be targeting elderly residents and we would ask people to look out for elderly family members or neighbours and make sure they are aware of potential scams."

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by scammers is asked to report it to Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk,/ via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.