ALMOST 10,000 local elderly people have been targeted by scammers according to council watchdogs.

Trading Standards officers are concerned about a spate of bogus calls targeting local senior citizens while businesses are also being plagued by con artists.

Officials estimate that more than 8,000 people over the age of 65 in Inverclyde have been targeted by fraudsters.

Councillor Tommy McVey, chair of the local police & fire scrutiny committee, said: “Scammers are very active at the moment and we’ve certainly seen a big increase in activity recently.

"We’re doing our best to raise awareness about the problem because so few victims ever report it.”

The problem is not confined to elderly people, with local companies also being approached.

One local firm was called by a crook claiming to be the crime prevention officer for the area.

The bogus caller tried to get him to place an advert in a ‘Crime Prevention Magazine,’ which he claimed would be delivered to thousands of homes in Inverclyde and was quoted a price of £180 a month.

Cllr McVey said:" This scam has been around for about 20 years.

"The magazine doesn’t exist.

"The way it works is that the sales rep cold calls a business and if the owner agrees to take an advert, a proof is produced and sent through for approval.

"The scammers claim this constitutes a contract and then demand payment.

"A variation of this scam is that the ‘sales rep’ says the firm has already taken out an advert and asks would the business owner like to see a proof.

"If the person says yes a proof is sent through and, again, the scammers claim this is a firm contract and demand payment.

"The same scammers also try and sell advertising for a fire service magazine.

"These sales practices are illegal and unenforceable."

* Police Scotland and Trading Standards Scotland are currently running a publicity campaign to highlight the problem. More information on scams is available at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk