Cold calls, high-pressure sales tactics and automated voicemails asking for people’s details are just some of the tricks scammers are using to rob people of their hard earned money, says Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Trading Standards Team.

The organisations launched Scams Awareness Month on July 1 to help stop people falling prey to scams by following a three-step rule - get advice, report it, and tell others about it.

Fraud victims pay a heavy price, losing billions of pounds every year. Scams targeting people by phone or post alone cost people in the UK an estimated £5 billion each year.

Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire and Trading Standards are inviting Pembrokeshire locals to join free events throughout July giving people the skills to stop scams in their tracks.

An information stand was at Pembroke Dock library on Wednesday and others will be in Haverfordwest library on Juy 19, and in Tenby library on the 28th. They will run from 10 am until 1 pm, and will help to show people how to spot a scam. People will learn the tell-tale signs of fraud, from being made an offer that’s too good to be true, to being rushed into signing on the dotted line.

Informing the authorities and warning others is the only surefire way of stopping scams, but people can be hesitant to even tell their friends and family.

Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire and Trading Standards will also show how speaking up about a scam is key to getting them closed down, and how to go about reporting suspected fraud to the authorities.

Vicki Skeats, chief executive of Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire, said: “Scams come in a variety of guises and we see new ones emerging all the time.

“However, there are common hallmarks to every scam and we’re keen to show people what to look out for so they don’t fall prey to a fraudster.

“Reporting suspicious offers and incidents of fraud is vital to getting scams closed down. If you think you’ve been contacted by a con artist or have been the victim of scam, seek advice and report it to the authorities.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said:“I applaud Citizens Advice and Trading Standards for planning Scams Awareness Month.

“People need to be ready, willing and able to spot scams - and these activities will help.

“I encourage consumers to take action by reporting suspicious activity.”

Jane Gale, fair trading inspector from Pembrokeshire Trading Standards, said: “Scams are more common than most people realise and every day we hear from people who have lost money to a con-artist.

“Some scams are one-offs that persuade you to part with a lump sum, while others go after your personal details so they can access your money or copy your identity.

“We’re asking people to help us tackle scams in Pembrokeshire by getting to know the common signs, warning others, and reporting incidents to us so we can investigate.”

What to do if you have been scammed: Get advice and report it to Trading Standards through your local Citizens Advice or through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.