More than 3,000 people became victims of scams in Kent in just five months, according to figures released by a national anti-fraud organisation.

The Action Fraud Unit, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, which is part of the City of London Police, revealed 3,352 acts of fraud were reported in the county between June and October last year.

One of the most recent scams to hit the county involves criminals pretending to be from communications company Talk Talk phoning residents, claiming there’s a problem with their broadband connection and asking them to do certain things on their computer, which then allows the scammers to access personal information including bank details.

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The majority of frauds were committed against people using a cheque, plastic card or online bank account, with 787 people being conned this way.

Next was online shopping and auctions with 528 victims, followed by computer software service fraud at 493, and finally 472 people were conned while filling out an application, excluding mortgages.

A further 1,072 people became victims of other types of unspecified deception fraud not specified above.

Experts believe the actual figures are likely to be even higher due to people not reporting the crime or not realising they have been victims.

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch has been approached by constituents who have been conned by scam artists.

She said: “It is heartbreaking to hear stories of residents who have become victims of fraud, often losing their entire life savings.

"It is often the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, who are targeted by these despicable criminals and therefore information about how to protect against fraud needs to be as widely publicised as possible.

“If someone does get conned they must report it to police so they can not only act to catch the fraudsters but also prevent others from the same scams.”

Report a fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.