CRIMINALS posing as police officers are asking their victims to take part in a fake undercover operation at a bank.

Dorset Police officers have warned members of the public to be wary after the scam was reported.

As part of the fraud, the criminals make contact with their victim, usually by phone. The criminal says they are either a police officer or a representative from a bank's fraud team.

The criminal will then tell the victim they are investigating a fraud at a local branch of a bank where staff are suspected of being complicit by issuing fake bank notes.

The victim is asked to help by visiting their bank and withdrawing a substantial sum, often thousands of pounds, so the cash can be analysed by police. The victim is reassured their money will be returned at the end of the operation.

However, once the money is handed over, the criminal disappears.

In another version, the criminal convinces the target to transfer money to a so-called ‘safe account’ to protect their funds from ‘corrupt’ bank staff. The account is in fact controlled by the criminal.

Victims are instructed not to discuss the case with anyone in the branch because staff members are part of the fraud.

Detective Inspector Neil Wright, of Dorset Police's priority and volume crime team, said: “Scams such as this work because fraudsters are so convincing.

"We will never ask anyone to carry out any investigative work for us, or withdraw their own money and neither will your bank. If you receive any phone call you’re not sure about, please just hang up.”

For more information about frauds reported in the county, visit dorset.police.uk/fraud

Scams should be reported to Action Fraud on 03001232040.