MORE needs to be done to protect people against scams.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne says that he is aware of people in the area who have lost a lot of money to scams and wants to draw attention to the problem that claims thousands of victims every year.

He believes that people can too easily be lulled into a false sense of security.

Philip Dunne MP is highlighting ways to protect against scams as part of Scams Awareness Campaign 2019.

“Scams can be hugely damaging to victims, both financially and emotionally,” he said

“I have heard tragic stories from constituents who have lost significant sums, where very little could be recovered.

“Most people expect they would not fall victim to a scam. But evidence shows we can all be susceptible if the scam is sophisticated. So, it is important that information on how to recognise scams is widely known, and what steps you can take if you do think you have been scammed.”

The MP said that there are a number of clues that people should look out for including being cautious about any offer that seems too good to be true.

Another cause for caution is if people are contacted unexpectedly by people they do not know and asked to transfer money quickly or asked for personal details such as passwords or PIN numbers.

The main weapons that are used by scammers is to take advantage of the vulnerability of people.

Because of this those most at risk are people such as the elderly.

But experts warn that many scams are highly sophisticated and people who consider themselves to be savvy can often be caught out.

Whilst many scams are attempted and carried out online, they can also be undertaken by people calling door to door.

Building scams can often take people unaware when an unsolicited caller can offer to do work that they say is needed at what might seem a bargain price.

People should be careful to check out the credentials of people doing work and make sure that they receive a receipt and guarantee.

Any request for payment up front or cash only needs to be treated with great suspicion.

Advice is available from the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline at 03454 04 05 06 (or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language) and scams should be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or @actionfrauduk on Twitter.