Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice is urging people in Monmouthshire to spread the word about scams and expose the tactics of fraudsters to protect others.

The Citizens Advice service in Monmouthshire launched Scams Awareness Month on 1 July to help stop people falling prey to scams by following a three-step rule - get advice, report it, and tell others about it.

It comes as national research by Citizens Advice finds scammers are using a variety of tactics to get people to part with their cash, with people losing an average of £2,500 across all types of scam.

Scam methods include vishing whereby scammer’s cold-call people in a bid to get their bank details, and make offers of fake services, such as telling people their computer has a virus which they can fix remotely.

Investment scams carry the highest price tag, with people investing in fake diamonds or bogus stocks and shares losing of on average £20,000 each.

In Monmouthshire, Citizens Advice has helped people targeted by scams including those who have ended up paying for excessive numbers of premium rate texts for games and competitions.

Citizens Advice is warning people to be on guard and watch out for the different methods used by fraudsters, from doorstep selling of counterfeit goods to demands for upfront payments for services that never materialise.

Shirley Lightbound, Chief Executive of Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice said:

“Scams are not a minor blight, they heap misery on people and in some cases can lead to financial ruin.

“Fraudsters use sophisticated techniques to con people and because they vary their methods, it can be tricky to spot when something is a scam. If you come across something that seems suspicious, seek advice so you don’t put yourself at risk.

“It’s vital to report scams and spread the word so we can clampdown on con artists and stop others falling into the same traps.”

“If it sounds too good to be true it probably is”

What to do if you have been scammed

Get advice and report it to Trading Standards through your local Citizens Advice or through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.