COLD calls, high-pressure sales tactics and automated voicemails asking for people’s details are just some of the tricks scammers are using to rob people of their cash, according to Worcestershire County Council Trading Standards Service.

The service aims to help stop people falling prey to scams by following a three-step rule - get advice, report it, and tell others about it – throughout July which is Scam Awareness Month.

Scams targeting people by phone or post alone cost people in the UK an estimated £5 billion each year. While informing the authorities and warning others is the only sure way of stopping scams, people can be hesitant to even tell their friends and family.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member with responsibility for Localism and Communities said: “Scams come in a variety of guises and we see new ones emerging all the time. However, there are common hallmarks to every scam and we’re keen to let people know what to look out for so they don’t fall prey to a fraudster.

“Reporting suspicious offers and incidents of fraud is vital to getting scams closed down. If you think you’ve been contacted by a con-artist or have been the victim of scam, seek advice and report it to the authorities.”

Mark Strain, senior Trading Standards officer, said: “Scams are more common than most people realise and every day we hear from people who have lost money to a con-artist. Some examples of methods used are telephone, on-line, mail and doorstep.

“Some scams are one-offs that persuade you to part with a lump sum, while others go after your personal details so they can access your money or copy your identity. We’re asking people to help us tackle scams by getting to know the common signs, warning others, and reporting incidents to us so we can investigate.”

A number of local complaints have already been made about unsolicited telephone calls claiming to be from HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC). They request those being called make contact with the caller after a message of threats about being taken to court or having a car seized.

Officials advise not to respond to such calls and have advised that HMRC would never make contact in such a manner to discuss court action, penalties or ask for personal or payment information.

Residents are encouraged to take a moment and trust their gut instinct so that they get advice, report scams and tell others about their experiences.

Top Tips to avoid Scams:

1. Don’t be rushed – resist pressure to make a decision straight away.

2. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

3. If you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it.

4. Never send money to someone you have never met or don’t trust.

5. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize.

6. Contacted out of the blue – be suspicious.

7. Reject cold calls offering investments or pension advice.

8. Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance.

9. Your bank will never attend your home to collect cash, your pin, payment card or cheque book if you are a victim of fraud.

10. Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password.

11. Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.

12. Suspect a phone scam? Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call your bank or the police.

13. Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix a problem.

If you have been scammed get advice and report it to Trading Standards through your local Citizens Advice or through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0345 404 0506.

Report scams and suspected scams to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime.