Fraudsters impersonate police to scam victims

The suspects targeted elderly people

Eight reports of courier fraud and attempted courier fraud across Dorset are being investigated by police.

Elderly victims were targeted in Bournemouth, Bridport, Purbeck, Poole and Christchurch between 7 and 14 November, Dorset Police said.

A police spokesperson said the fraudsters impersonated police officers and claimed to have a person in custody who had gained access to the victims' bank accounts. The victims were advised to go to their banks and withdraw cash, which would then be collected by a plain-clothed officer.

On three occasions, the victims handed over cash to the fraudsters, totalling several thousand pounds, police said.

Police have urged anyone with information to get in touch, as well as anyone who has been targeted by fraudsters.

Det Insp Jon Sainsbury said: "The police will never ask for your bank details over the phone and we would urge members of the public to be vigilant of this potential scam and to ensure they raise awareness among elderly relatives and neighbours, who we often sadly see targeted by this type of activity."

Dorset Police have advised anyone who suspects a call may be fraudulent that neither banks nor the police will ever ask someone for their PIN, or send a courier to collect money from them.