July is National Scams Awareness month and Cornwall Trading Standards will be offering advice to help stop Cornish residents from being duped.

Cornwall Council trading standards officer Julia Groves said: ’If you are concerned that you, or someone you know, may have been scammed, feel free to talk to us.  It is estimated that over £5 billion is lost to scammers each year in the UK and we are determined to see this number reduce by educating the general public on how to avoid being caught out.’ 

Anyone who has been the victim of a scam can report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.  Additional information on scams can also be found on their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk