Shock figures show scammers have conned local people out of more than £250,000 in just THREE months

[dutchman]

Nearly 100 people were tricked in total - losing an average of £2,678 each



People in Coventry have been conned out of tens of thousands of pounds in the last few months making it one of the country’s hotspots for con artists.

Citizens Advice analysed around 5,000 scam cases reported to them between January and March this year.

During the three month research period, 97 scam cases in Coventry were reported with victims losing an average of £2,678 each.

In total more than £250,000 was conned out of people in the city.

The findings show that out of the 102 main postal areas looked at Coventry is the seventh worst place for scams.

The research looking into the number of scams and types of scams being executed was conducted a part of Scams Awareness month.

A joint campaign between Citizens Advice and Trading Standards looks to help people avoid failing prey to scams.

Gillian Guy, Citizens Advice chief executive, said: “Con-artists are using different tricks to rob people up and down the country.

“Some areas are suffering a blight of cold-calls about computer viruses, while others are bombarded with letters about lottery winnings which actually cost the victim money.

“If you think you may have lost money to a fraudster seek advice straight away so you can try and get your money back. Reporting scams is the only way to stop scams from spreading, and get them closed down for good.”

To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit this website.