RESIDENTS are being told to keep an eye out for scammers after it was revealed two in every five residents have been targeted is the lockdown started.

Citizens Advice for Halstead is encouraging residents to keep on their toes after a surge in scams during the lockdown.

The charity revealed data showing 42 per cent of people in the east of England have been the target of scams since the lockdown began.

69 per cent of people surveyed also said they are worried someone they know will fall foul of one of cons.

Now Ciitzen Advice are urging people to beware of potential scams and look out for others they think could be at risk.

Chief Officer, Rachel Fahie said: “Our data shows that the last few months have been very difficult for a lot of people across the South East of England.

"Despite this, we’ve seen appalling evidence of opportunistic scammers taking advantage of people’s worries and concerns.

"2 in 5 of Braintree, Halstead and Witham residents have been targeted by a scam since lockdown began, showing we all need to be on high alert.

“It’s really important we all do our bit and report anything that looks like a con when we see it.

"By learning how scammers operate and helping each other understand what to look out for, we can all work together to stop fraudsters in their tracks.“

Citizens Advice Braintree, Halstead and Witham and Trading Standards are also sharing tips on how to better spot scams.

Advice includes look into installing a call blocker to help combat telephone scams, be suspicious if you’re contacted out of the blue, even if it’s from a name you recognise, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is and to never send money to someone you’ve never met.

For more information, visit citizensadvice.org.uk/