Police held an event aimed a keeping people safe from scammers this morning.

Officers were on hand to give advice on a range of situations, from staying safe at the cashpoint to recognising bogus callers, at the Europa Gallery in Sutton Library today.

The event was part of a drive to cut the number of people in Sutton who fall foul of con artists every year.

One of the most common tricks, officers said, is the so-called 'bank courier fraud scam' which involves the victim being called out of the blue by someone purporting to be from their bank and tricked into revealing their PIN before a supposed courier comes to fetch the card.

Detective Constable Jim Egley said: "The average age of victims is 70 and the average fraudulent spend on each card has been £4,000.

"Many people don’t report being scammed to police because they feel embarrassed and foolish - but we want people to get in touch so we can take appropriate action."  

Vulnerable and elderly people were also told of the agencies available to help them and offer advice including Age UK, Trading Standards, Victim Support, Neighbourhood watch and others.

Anyone can report suspected fraud by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting actionfraud.police.uk.