A SCHEME to stop bogus builders conning cash from residents has been hailed a success by trading standards.

The council-run Banks Reward scheme pays bank cashiers for raising the alarm about potential scams and deliberately inflated quotes targeted at their customers.

A 12-month pilot scheme began in March and eight rewards have already been handed out to staff in high street banks and building societies, including Barclays and Nat West.

Cashiers receive a £50 gift voucher for successful tip-offs. The move has saved elderly customers cash sums ranging between £200 and £16,000.

Rob Vale, from Bromley Council's trading standards team, said: "The reward scheme is a pilot to recognise the fine work the staff of banks and building societies are doing to support trading standards in helping protect people from being tricked by rogue traders."

He added: "Since 2002 we have been able to save around £700,000 of residents' money by stopping unnecessary work being carried out at inflated prices.

"But there is always more we can do with the help of carers, meals on wheels volunteers, bank personnel and anyone in the community who witnesses something untoward."