TIPS on ways to avoid being scammed have been issued by Dorset Police.

The force has issued the following advice for people to help them keep fraudsters at bay and avoid becoming a victim of a scam.

A spokesman says: "A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to a different account.

"Only give out personal or financial details to a service that you're given your consent to and that you trust.

"Don't be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

"Always question uninvited approaches in case it's a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number."