Fraudsters are targeting people by using local area codes when contacting potential victims.

A Weymouth man has issued a warning following his experience being targeted by a scam caller.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that he received a phone call from a number with a local area code (01305) one morning, so he believed it to be someone contacting him locally.

He said: “It was a recorded message telling me that £600 had been sent overseas. The fact that it was a recorded call meant that I thought it was a scam straight away. It was just very concerning that the call had come through from a local number. I have tried to report this.

“Thankfully I have got enough sense not to press the numbers that it was asking me to, but someone could fall for it. My main concern is making people aware.”

A husband and wife from Bridport were also targeted by this scam which is doing the rounds.

Fortunately, they suspected it might be a trick and did not comply with requests made on the phone - and instead alerted their bank and the police who confirmed they had been targeted by fraudsters.

The pair explained they were at home when they received a phone call from a Bridport area code (01308).

Dorset Police has shared advice for anyone who suspects a call may be fraudulent:

•            Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN.

•            Neither the police nor the banks will send a courier to collect money from you.

•            If you're asked to telephone a bank, always make the call on a different phone to the one you were contacted on.

•            Do not rush into complying to the scammers demands.

•            If you have already given your bank details over the phone or handed your card details to a courier, call your bank straight away to let them know and request that they cancel the card.

If you suspect you may have been a victim of courier fraud, report the incident to Action Fraud UK online: www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phone 0300 123 2040.