FAKE emails purporting to be from the Government continue to circulate across Dorset, police have warned.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Action Fraud, the national police organisations that combat fraud of all types, report that variations on scams from last year are still happening.

Fraudsters send fake Government emails to people to steal their personal and financial information. This is called “phishing”.

Victims who click on the link in the email are led to a convincing looking website – where fraudsters can obtain bank account details and commit identity fraud. The highest single recorded loss is £50,000.

These fake Government phishing emails can often also be part of a larger scam where criminals call individuals claiming to be bank employees.

A police spokesman said: “Your bank will never call and ask you for your PIN, full banking password, or ask you to transfer money out of your account.

“If you’ve fallen victim let your bank know as soon as possible and monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity.

“If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040.

“Every report helps Action Fraud to trace and shut down fraudsters.”