A CRACKDOWN on con artists has been launched after fraudsters targeted Glasgow people with a series of new scams.

Citizens Advice Bureau bosses have issued a warning for householders to be on alert for scammers.

It comes as the CAB launches a month-long awareness drive, urging local people to "join the fight against scams".

Vincent Chudy, manager of the city centre CAB in Bell Street, said: "We want everyone in Glasgow to join in a national effort to beat the scammers.

"That means being more vigilant, spreading the word and reporting any scams.

"Here at the CAB, we often see people who have been hit by some kind of scam.

"So our message to people in Glasgow is: It's time to stop letting them get away with it."

People across the city are being targeted by several types of scams, including phantom lottery wins, and attempts to re-claim debts they don't have.

Bosses at CAB offices in Glasgow are urging people to get advice, report the scam, and warn other people about it. Manager of the Parkhead CAB, Ginny Jackson, said: "One of the reasons why scams are so common is because people don't report them.

"Research has shown that, while half of us have experienced some kind of scam, only 5% of us report it.

"If we are prepared to give them that sort of free ride, it's no wonder scams keep happening.

"There are simple things that anyone can do that will make life much harder for scammers and fraudsters."

Anyone with suspicions about a scam can contact Action Fraud and the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.

Locals are being encouraged to attend a "scams awareness" information event at Asda, Park- head Forge on Friday.

Elderly people are being increasingly targeted by online scams, according to the Scottish Business Crime Centre.

Conmen are using a range of methods, including social networking and online auctions, to dupe pensioners.

Gary Ritchie is assistant director of the Scottish Business Crime Centre – a group with input from the police, fire and rescue services, banks and investors – and he said: "These conmen will stop at nothing to shamelessly deceive and swindle internet users out of personal details and money.

"Scams are constantly being designed to trick unwary web surfers into parting with money or personal information.

"Older people in particular are prone to falling for e-mails that appear legitimate because they look like official e-mails, which appear to be from a well-known bank."

For more information visit www.cas.org.uk/stopscams or call the CACS on 08454 040506.

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk

WAYS to spot a scam:

l The call, letter, e-mail or text has come out of the blue.

l You've never heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about .

l You didn't buy a ticket - you can't win a competition you didn't enter.

l They are asking you to send money in advance.

l They are saying you have to respond quickly.

l You are being offered something for nothing.

l If it seems too good to be true it probably is.