A GROWING number of people are falling victim to scammers selling ‘phantom goods’, according to new figures.

Citizens Advice recently revealed a 17 per cent increase in shoppers buying high value items online that do not exist, with an average loss of £1,100.

Their statistics show people were most likely to be scammed when buying cars, flights and furniture.

Scammers have also persuaded people to part with cash for other phantom goods including cameras and jewellery.

Citizens Advice Darlington are supporting Scams Awareness Week – beginning on Saturday, July 1 - to encourage people to report and act on scams.

Their clients have reported falling victim to a variety of scams, with several having lost cash to unscrupulous telephone callers and others having had their credit cards cloned.

Chief executive Neeraj Sharma said: “Being scammed can ruin people’s finances.

“People can lose significant amounts from phantom goods scams so it’s important they don’t rush into online purchases until they are sure the seller is genuine.

“We are encouraging people to play their part in preventing scams by reporting them and telling others about them.

“People can also come and see us or call the Citizens Advice consumer service if they want advice on whether something is a genuine deal or a scam, or for advice if they have been scammed.”

  • Scams Awareness Week begins on Saturday, July 1. For advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040506.
  • To report a suspected scam, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk.