DARLINGTON Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is warning people to be vigilant to stop opportunistic scammers preying on those struggling to find work or battling with money problems.

New figures reveal three million people have fallen victim to scams in England and Wales, with 22,000 reports being made to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in the last 12 months.

As a result Darlington CAB is running a Scam Awareness Month throughout May and is urging people to watch out for con-artists who often prey on people struggling to find work or battling with money problems.

Their tactics include offering phantom training courses with the false promise of a job, or working on a commission basis for a firm that doesn’t exist.

They can also offer fake loans or help with clearing debts with an upfront free, but this help never materialises.

Neeraj Sharma from Darlington CAB said: “Rogues are cashing in on people’s job and money troubles. The difficult economic times have been tough for many people in Darlington but con-artists have found a way to thrive.

“We’re seeing people who have been dealt a double blow by losing their job and then losing money while trying to find a new one.

“This month we are warning people to be on the lookout for rogues looking to make a quick buck at their expense and reminding that scams are crimes so it is vital they are reported.”

Warning signs include being contacted out of the blue or requests for money in advance.

If you think you have been scammed report it to Action Fraud on 0300-123-2040 or report it to Trading Standards through the CAB consumer service on 0845-404-0506 or online advice at adviceguide.org.uk