MORE young people are falling victim to scams and have been warned to look out for signs that someone is trying to fleece them.

The advice comes from East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) who have been active during Scams Awareness Month which is now in its second week.

Young people, under 30-years-old, are the latest focus of the campaign that encourages everyone to identify, avoid and report scams.

Although they are not the largest age group to be stung by the crooks, there has been a rise in incidents involving victims of that generation over the last few years.

They are more vulnerable to certain types of scam, like subscription traps, identity theft, job offers, forged tickets for major events and general online fraud.

Scams Awareness Month started with a flurry of activity in the CAB’s Cumnock advice centre as well as social media activity making people aware of the problem.

East Ayrshire CAB manager Sarah Hammond said: “Our campaign had a great start last week. We held meetings, activated a poster campaign with our partners and gave lots of information face-to-face at our advice centres in Kilmarnock and Cumnock

“Scams can hit anyone at any time, and our general message is to be wary, to challenge any trader or deal you are unsure of, always read the small print and never give out your personal details to someone you don’t know. This week we want to focus these messages particularly towards younger people.

“The evidence suggests that incidents of fraud are increasing among young people, and yet younger people are more confident than most groups that they can avoid scams. We would hate to think that younger people here in East Ayrshire are lowering their guard and making themselves vulnerable to fraud.”

Basic precautions that are particularly relevant to young people include — Make sure your computer has a firewall and reputable anti-virus software.

Don’t throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first.

Check your statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the bank or financial service provider concerned.