A BOOKLET aiming to help keep fraudsters at bay has been published by this week.

Thames Valley Police's Economic Crime Unit hopes the Little Book of Big Scams will educate members of the public and stop them become victims of con-men.

The booklet, adapted from one published by the Metropolitan Police, includes a foreword from Esther Rantzen and sections on identity fraud, scam mail, door to door scams, romance and dating scams and internet scams.

As well as details on different types of frauds, there are a number of helpful hints, 10 golden rules to avoid becoming a victim, and case studies.

It also gives details on where to go to get help and how to report fraud if you do become a victim.

Det Insp Gavin Tyrrell, Head of the ECU, said: "Fraud costs the British economy £73 billion a year and criminals use a number of sophisticated scams to try and snare victims.

"The ECU were keen to produce information and guidance so members of the public are aware of the different types of scam out there and how to spot them. I hope people will download and read the booklet to reduce their chances of becoming a victim."

A PDF copy of the booklet can be downloaded by clicking here.