FRAUDSTERS are tricking increasing numbers of Dorset residents out of thousands of pounds with a bank scam.

More people have fallen prey to the con in recent days and now banks and police have warned customers to be on their guard.

Members of the public have been receiving landline telephone calls from people claiming to be from Paddington Green police station in London.

They tell their victims that their bank details have been used fraudulently and encourage them to put the phone down and call the phone number on the back of their bank card to speak to bank staff.

The victims do not realise that the fraudsters have stayed on the line and are being given all the information they need to steal from the account.

Some people have even been told that staff at their local bank branch are under suspicion and that they should withdraw cash immediately and send it to safety in a taxi, provided by the fake police officer, or transfer it to a different account.

A Bournemouth bank boss told how many of his customers had been affected and had lost large amounts of money.

The man, who does not wish to be named, said fraudsters are mainly targeting pensioners but that young professionals had also been victims.

"In most cases victims have been convinced it is true because they have no idea the fraudsters have stayed on the phone line" he said.

"If people want to contact their bank they should do it on a different phone or go to the branch."

He stressed that details should never be given to anyone over the phone and that cards or money should never be sent anywhere in a taxi.

Dorset Police has reinforced the message and is currently displaying posters to warn potential victims.

Detective Chief Inspector Jez Noyce, of Dorset Police’s Serious Crime Investigations Department, said: “We are making consistent progress with our ongoing investigations but I would urge the public to be highly aware of these types of crimes.

“In particular, we ask family members and friends to ensure that elderly and vulnerable people have been warned about these offences.

“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.”

David Leighton, Chief Officer of Age UK Bournemouth, added: "This is the latest in a long line of scams in recent months aimed at older people. As the numbers of older people living alone increase this callous targeting of some of the most vulnerable people in our community looks set to stay unless we can support those at risk to be better equipped to deal with these criminals.

"Age UK would advise people never to give any bank details or other personal information to a cold caller, there is never a reason for doing this no matter what the caller says to you. If you are in any doubt please call us on 01202 530530 and we will help you to find out whether the person calling you is legitimate or not."

Two men arrested on suspicion of fraud in connection with alleged phone scams have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. The men, aged 20 and 21 and both from London, are due to answer bail in early September.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged to:

• Hang up immediately, dial 1471 and note the number that called you.

• If you need to use the same phone, wait five minutes, as the fraudsters could still be on the line or use another phone on a different line.

• Report the call to your local police on 101.

• Never give your PIN or bank details out over the phone

• Never withdraw cash and send it anywhere via a courier or taxi

• Never send bank cards anywhere via a courier or taxi

• Neither the police nor your bank will ever ask for you to do any of the above.