PEOPLE over 60 are being warned not to be bullied into parting with their cash by fraudsters.

Avon and Somerset Police has launched a campaign to combat doorstep fraud and phone and online scams.

The Home Office initiative being piloted in the force area comes as figures suggest the over 60s in the patch were conned out of £5million last year.

Supported by Action Fraud, Trading Standards, Victim Support, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch, Spot It, Stop It outlines the tactics fraudsters use and give tips on how to prevent it.

Kirstie Cogram, head of the Economic Crime Unit at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Fraud, whether it’s online, telephone or doorstep crime, is a horrible experience for the victim.

“Fraud techniques can be very convincing and can be costly and extremely upsetting for those affected.

“We’d encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the fraud prevention advice and also to pass it on to their friends and family.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Fraud is a crime which often has a big impact on victims so this activity to raise awareness of the issue and stop people becoming victims is very important.”

CAMPAIGN ADVICE: SPOT IT: Make decisions in your own time.

*Get at least three written quotes and references before you get work done.

*Genuine callers won’t mind returning a day or two later so you can make checks.

*If a caller refuses to leave, call the police.

Check people are who they say they are.

*Check a company is trustworthy by calling someone like the National Consumer helpline or Action Fraud.

*Check a caller is genuine by calling the company on a number you’ve looked up – don’t use the number they provide you with.

*Phone fraudsters can stay on the line after you hang up – wait at least 10 minutes to make other calls.

STOP IT: *Don’t share personal information such as financial details, name, date of birth, address and travel plans.

*Destroy documents with your details after use.

*Report fraud to 0300-1232040 or click on the Action Fraud link on this story.

*If the call is still in the area call 999.

To prevent on-line fraud choose, use and protect passwords carefully, ensure antivirus/antispyware software and firewall are up to date and switched on and be careful what personal and financial information you reveal.