Dorset police officers are seeing a large increase in reports of people being scammed by purchasing fake gift cards.

These fraudulent gift cards are being purchased by unknowing buyers either online or via the phone.

It was recently reported to police that a member of the public had purchased £2,000 of gift cards which was ‘almost certainly linked to a scam.’

Officers advise that if someone contacts you and asks you to purchase gift cards and send them the code this it is likely to be a scam.

A spokesperson for North Dorset Police said: “It was recently reported to us that someone had purchased £2,000 worth of gift cards and almost certainly this would have been linked to an online scam.

“If you have any concerns or someone you know has been purchasing a large number of gift cards please report it on the Dorset Police website.”