A COMMISSIONER has launched a new campaign to encourage people to report fraud.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Lane, has launched a 'Scamnesty' campaign to encourage people to report scams and to provide advice to help local people avoid becoming victims of fraud.

Michael said: “As a SCAMbassador for the national Trading Standards campaign, I am looking forward to raising awareness about the impact, financially and emotionally, that fraud has on residents.”

Hampshire Constabulary receives over 700 reports of fraud or attempted fraud each month, many of which are targeting elderly or vulnerable members of the community.

Scamnesty 'post boxes' are available for anyone to print out and post suspected scam letters or junk mail.

Suspected scams collected in the Scamnesty boxes will be analysed to provide better intelligence about the types of scams that target residents across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton.

Southampton Scamnesty boxes are available at libraries in: Hartley University, Central Library, Bitterne, Lordshill, Portswood, Shirley and Woolston.

Residents can also find Scamnesty boxes in their local Citizen's Advice locations.

From September 28, the commissioner will be working with Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, and other partners to provide the Friday Fraud Roadshows.

The Roadshow will visit locations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to help residents be more aware of fraud.

The team have also provided free Safer Packs which have tips on recognising different types of fraud and information about how to access support.

To download, visit: www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/scamnesty.