POLICE have arrested two men as part of an ongoing investigation into phone scams.

The men, aged 21 and 22 and from London, were detained after police received calls at 3.47pm on Thursday reporting an alleged scam in the Christchurch area.

They were arrested on suspicion of fraud offences and are currently assisting police with their enquiries.

The scam, which has been taking place across Dorset, involves victims receiving a call to say their bank accounts have been compromised in some way. The callers have a variety of sophisticated methods, including pretending to be police officers or banking advisors, to convince victims that they are legitimate.

Victims are advised to call a number to ensure their accounts are made secure. The offender, unbeknown to the victim, remains on the line and pretends to be from their bank.

On many occasions they have persuaded them to transfer or hand over large sums of cash.

Dorset Police is calling on residents to heighten their vigilance to potential fraud threats. The message 'Hang Up On Fraudsters' is being spread throughout Dorset in response to a spate of offences within the last 12 months.

Posters and flyers have been displayed in businesses in Dorset, including post offices, hospitals and GP surgeries.

Safer neighbourhood teams have also been attending events to issue crime prevention advice to the public.

Detective Chief Inspector Jez Noyce, of Dorset Police, said: “Offenders are highly convincing and have conned many victims into handing over thousands of pounds in recent months.

“I ask people to remain vigilant and report any such incidents to the police.

“I would also urge people to follow our crime prevention advice to avoid becoming a victim.”

The advice is:

Do not reveal your bank details including PIN to anyone – banks will already have these details and will never ask for your card back.

If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from your bank, do not give them any details, hang up and call your bank on their  regular contact telephone number and the police –  wait at least 2 minutes after hanging up  to make the calls to ensure that the line is clear or use a different telephone.

Do not give your bank cards to strangers whatever reason they may give you to part with them.
Do not allow any unknown or unexpected callers inside your home. If you are suspicious, call 999 immediately.

Do not hand over any cash to people unknown to you.

Anyone with information about such scams should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 23:287. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.