A campaign has been launched by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to make older people aware of the potential harm that scams could cause them.

While anyone can fall victims to such cons, the elderly are often hit hardest and data from the OFT suggests that older people are likely to lose nearly twice that of a younger victim.

Scams could include fake competitions such as sweepstakes, so-called miracle health cures and fake psychics.

Mike Haley, director of consumer protection at the OFT, comments: "'Those who fall for these scams not only lose their savings, but often live in fear, suffering debt and depression and are too afraid to tell anyone of their plight."

He urged family members, carers and friends to look for any signs that an elderly associate may be at risk of a scam before it is too late.

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire police recently warned the elderly that robbers in the area were using distraction tactics to steal from pensioners.