MORE than £600,000 has been lost to online shopping scams in Dorset over the past year.

It comes as Dorset Police release a warning around scams as online shopping is set to increase for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “In the last 12 months, £645.8k has been lost to online shopping scams in Dorset alone.

“Nationally, losses stand at £69.9m.

“With people being in lockdown, and possibly more inclined to do their Christmas shopping online this year, we expect to see a significant rise in attempted and successful scams.

“Stay with us throughout the next few days, as @DorsetPoliceCyberCrime will be giving their top tips for staying safe whilst shopping online this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.”