POLICE are warning elderly people against becoming a victim of conmen and fraudsters in the countdown to Christmas.

More than 600 instances of fraud were reported in County Durham and Darlington last year – and authorities believe many more cases went unreported, with victims either unaware they had been scammed or to ashamed to admit it, even to friends and family.

Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime, today (Wednesday, December 12) rolled out a national campaign to combat the crime in the North-East.

Leaders picked St Giles’ Church for the launch, in Durham City – where they say there is a high number of older people, who are more likely to become victims of fraud, but there are also strong community organisations, ready to offer support to the elderly.

Dave Orford, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Durham police, met pensioners to discuss how to spot the signs of fraud.

He said: “We know the fraudsters try to target vulnerable people. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

“It’s a time of year when people might be feeling vulnerable and we wouldn’t like anyone to get scammed before Christmas.”

Warning signs include: unexpected telephone calls, text messages or letters from unknown organisations, pushy sales techniques, schemes requiring large up-front payments and being asked to provide your bank card or personal information.

Figures show women over 56 are at most risk of falling victim to a scam.

Earlier this year, a 58-year-old woman from Peterlee, east Durham, lost £800 after a fraudster claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice was entitled to a further £4,000 in Payment Protection Insurance (PPI).

He convinced the woman to buy Ukash vouchers and give him the voucher numbers. A promised courier, supposed to be delivering the woman a cheque for the PPI payout, never appeared. The woman was left shaken.

The month-long campaign involves Action Fraud, Financial Fraud Action UK, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Age UK and community groups.

Anyone worried about fraud should call Action Fraud on 0300-1232040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk