RESIDENTS in the Daily Echo's patch are more likely to be the victim of a con than people living anywhere else in England and Wales.

Out of 102 postcodes, those living in the BH area reported the most scams per person in the early part of 2016.

Now representatives from Citizens Advice Bournemouth are calling for people to be on their guard against fraud as part of national Scams Awareness Month.

Advice services manager Emma Lee said: “Getting scammed can cost you dearly.

"Bournemouth residents can’t be too vigilant.

"Scams Awareness Month aims to give people the confidence to spot scams more easily and speak up to stop others being caught out.

“Any residents who would like a second opinion about an offer they’ve received should contact Citizens Advice Bournemouth or the consumer service.

"If anyone suspects they’ve been a victim of a scam, they should go straight to Action Fraud.”

Analysis of 5,000 scams reported to the national Citizens Advice consumer service between January and March 2016 showed the areas where people are most likely to report scams.

Bournemouth came in first place after residents reported 83 cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service in the first three months of this year.

There were 21 cases involving victims paying for a product or service which was never received, 20 cases involving fake services - where fraudsters charge for a service that doesn't exist - and 16 cases of 'vishing', which involves fraudsters cold-calling people in a bid to get their bank details.

The average loss for victims in Bournemouth was £469 per victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Symms, of Dorset Police Criminal Investigation Department, said officers have been working "extremely hard" to raise awareness of scams, and in particular telephone frauds.

“Unfortunately, despite this good work, people in Dorset and across the country are still at risk of falling victims to scam artists," he added.

"We urge people to familiarise themselves with the crime prevention advice and support we can offer.

“The police, your bank or legitimate utility companies will never call you and ask you for your personal bank information.

“Never give out your PIN or bank details over the phone, or send cash or your bank card in a taxi or via courier.

“Do not give your bank details to someone who calls offering services over the phone. Do your research and do not give any personal information to cold callers, as they may be scamming you into accepting fake services.

“If you receive a call from someone who wants your bank details, hang up, wait for at least five minutes, dial 1471 and write down the telephone number, then call the police immediately on 101.”

Anyone worried about a scam can call the consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCAM

One of the most common scams reported in the UK concern premium-rate telephone numbers.

Victims receive correspondence via post, a text message or an automated voicemail informing them they have won a major prize.

The victim is advised to call an 090 premium rate number and is kept on hold.

While a prize may be won, it is usually a token gesture when compared with money spent on the phone call.

Bogus holiday scams cost victims an average of £3,030, according to the Office of Fair Trading.

Victims usually discover they have won a holiday through a free scratch card and are invited to attend a presentation to collect their prize by signing a contract under pressure.

The contract will include extra costs including transport and 'compulsory' extras.

In Dorset, there have been numerous reports of people being conned by so-called courier fraud.

The fraudsters pretend they are from the police, a bank, retailer or fraud department and tell their usually elderly and vulnerable victim that their account has been compromised and to dial 999 or their bank to confirm the call is genuine.

They keep the line open and use different techniques into tricking their victim that they’re genuine and persuade them into handing over their bank details, Personal identification Number (PIN) or cash for safe keeping.