THAMES Valley Police has put together a booklet aimed at helping people spot scams.

The Little Book of Big Scams, produced by the force’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU), aims to educate members of the public on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

The booklet, which includes a foreword from TV personality Esther Rantzen, includes sections on identity fraud, scam mail, door-to-door scams, romance and dating scams and internet scams.

As well as details on different types of frauds there are a number of helpful hints, 10 golden rules to avoid becoming a victim, and case studies.

It is available to download and also gives details on where to go to get help and how to report fraud if you do become a victim.

Det Insp Gavin Tyrrell, Head of the ECU, said: “Fraud costs the British economy £73bn a year and criminals use a number of sophisticated scams to try and snare victims. The ECU were keen to produce information and guidance so members of the public are aware of the different types of scam out there and how to spot them. I hope people will download and read the booklet to reduce their chances of becoming a victim.”

For more information visit thamesvalley.police.uk