A ‘SHOCKING’ number of people have been targeted by a scammer in Bracknell, Windsor and Maidenhead already this year, new research has found.

Citizens Advice found fraudsters have targeted more than three in five people using a number of tricks on unsuspecting residents.

READ MORE: Man let off with just court costs to pay after carrying knife

The biggest fraud threat to residents in the south east, according to Citizens Advice, is delivery scams. 

56 per cent of people in the area said they had been contacted about a scam of this kind.

And more than three in five people in the south east say they are worried they or a loved one could fall victim to these scams.

Jeremy Sandell, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice East Berkshire said: “A shocking number of people in Bracknell, Windsor, Maidenhead and the surrounding areas have been targeted by a scammer so far this year.

READ MORE: Football tournament for youngsters set up by police officer

“As life begins to unlock, it’s important that we all protect ourselves and others. Please report anything that looks like a con when you see it.

“By learning how scammers operate and understanding what to look out for, we can all work together to stop fraud.”

To stop more people falling victim to scams, CAEB has come up with the following advice:

You might be being scammed if:

  • it seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect

● you suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address

● you’ve been pressured to transfer money quickly or in an unusual way – like by iTunes vouchers or a transfer service

● you’ve been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs

● you haven't had written confirmation of what's been agreed

If you think you have been scammed, Citizens Advice East Berkshire advise:

READ MORE: Obstructive and dangerous parking spotted at local beauty spot

● talk to your bank or card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment ● report offline scams, like telephone, post and doorstep, to Citizens Advice online or by calling 0808 223 1133. Report online scams to the dedicated Scams Action service either online or on 0808 250 5050

● report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040