Bromley Council has appointed a "SCAMbassador" in a bid to protect and prevent residents being victims of scammers.

It is estimated that the average scam victim loses £1,000, but some have lost homes and lifelong savings.

The council has appointed Kate Lymer, executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, as the new SCAMbassasdor.

Councilor Lymer said: “We know this whole issue is under-reported and also causes a great deal of distress.

“We are encouraging residents to come forward and contact the Citizens Advice Consumer hotline if they suspect they have been target of a scam. Please do talk to your friends and relatives to help make them aware of the issues.

“On the doorstep crime front, with the weather getting better, we are aware that there is an increase in gardeners and tree surgeons knocking on doors offering to carry out work.

“We do not recommend accepting offers of work on the doorstep. Please, if you are concerned that you or a neighbour has been targeted by a doorstep trader, call the Council’s Trading Standards Rapid Response for advice.”

The Trading Standards Teams has asked people in Bromley to make them aware of scams because these crimes often go unreported.

You can report such crimes on Citizens Advice on 0345 040506.