More than two scams a day ranging from fake online dating to copycat disability badge websites are being reported to some councils, figures show.

Trading Standards officers at West Sussex County Council received more than 800 reports of scams and attempted scams since July 2016 at a rate of more than two a day.

Victims in the county had lost £383,000 to scammers in that time.

The true cost of scams in the region is considered to be far higher with only around five per cent reported because victims are embarrassed or simply unaware they have been deceived.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said fraud, including scams, is now the most common type of crime, accounting for 3.6 million cases in England and Wales last year.

Simon Blackburn, chairman of the LGA's safer and stronger communities board, said: "Councils are receiving reports of scams every day from victims whose confidence and trust in people has been shattered, leaving them anxious and scared of being targeted and harassed again.

"Fraud not only leaves victims out of pocket, it also creates significant costs for taxpayers as elderly victims in particular often require more care and support after being scammed.

"It's important that victims don't suffer in silence or feel embarrassed. By reporting a scam, people can help someone else avoid being a victim and help councils track down the fraudsters, bring them to justice and recover their money."

To report scams, rogue traders or uninvited doorstep callers, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud.