Residents are being warned to be aware of offers that sounds too good to be true as part of Scams Awareness Month.

The push is part of a national campaign in May highlighting how people can be caught out through online scams, postal cheats, phone cons and doorstep rip-offs.

Common scams include dodgy online adverts and tricksters using dating websites to build relationships with people they later defraud, “phishing” emails and ‘vishing’ phone calls designed to con people into giving away sensitive information.

Fraudsters also deploy investment scams and lottery cons where “winners” are asked to send an advance fee.

With fewer than five per cent of people in the UK reporting scams to the authorities, Brent and Harrow Trading Standards Service (BHTSS) is urging more people to let them know about prospective cons or if they fall victim.

Simon Legg, BHTSS manager, said: “If you are contacted by somebody offering a deal too good to be true, it probably is. By reporting scams to the authorities, action can be taken to stop misleading tricks and to prevent others from suffering the same inevitable upset that occurs when people realise they have lost their money.”

Samia Badani, from Brent Citizens Advice Bureau, added: “Scammers can’t continue to get away with fleecing people of their hard-earned money. We want to see a fight back against scams.”

For more information or lodge a report call 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk