SCAMMERS who target Sidmouth residents with mail swindles are being targeted by a new scheme.

SCAMMERS who target Sidmouth residents with mail swindles are being targeted by a new scheme.

Devon County Council Trading Standards has joined forces with the Office of Fair Trading to launch its ScamWise initiative and raise awareness of mass marketed scams.

As part of the project a special 'Scamnesty' bin will be located in Sidmouth Library Devon from February 23 to 28.

Residents will be asked to place scam mail in the bin so authorities can gather information which can be used against the scammers, who cheat Great Britons out of �3.5 million every year. Councillor Brian Greenslade, Leader of Devon County Council said: "We are keen to look at the Scams that people are receiving at the moment and to encourage those that may have fallen victim, and have lost money, to come forward"

Support and advice is available from ConsumerDirect on 08454 040506 from www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

DCC Trading Standards recently launched an anonymous tip-off hotline. Anybody wishing to report illegal trading practises can call (01392) 381380 in confidence.