POLICE chiefs have revealed plans to support all victims of fraudsters as part of a new scheme.

Volunteers across Sussex have been drafted in to deal with the rising numbers of people who are being conned.

About half of all crime is now fraud, where people find themselves being tricked online, over the telephone, in their business or at home.

There were more than 14,000 reports to Action Fraud in Sussex last year, costing about £28 million.

Sussex Police were the first to establish Operation Signature to support elderly or vulnerable people who are often targeted.

But now the force says it will offer a service to all victims of fraud in the county in a bid to stop people falling prey again.

It is the first scheme of its type in the country.

Financial abuse safeguarding officer Bernadette Lawrie said fraud is a fast growing crime.

She cited examples such as a 23 per cent rise in “romance” crimes, where people are tricked via dating websites or mobile applications.

“Everyone is susceptible,” she said.

“It is essential that we provide prevention advice to stop victims being repeatedly targeted.

“The impact goes far beyond the money, it affects people’s mental and physical health and leaves many people feeling embarrassed, ashamed or angry.

“It can affect people’s confidence and trust in people. We want to instil confidence back in the police.

“We know that fraud is under reported, so the incidents we know of are the tip of the iceberg.

“Fraud is so vast, it happens in so many different guises and forms.”

On average each month there are 760 reports to Action Fraud in Sussex.

“The vast majority are targeted against people who are not usually considered vulnerable. It can include businesses getting hacked and mandate fraud, where money is handed over to fraudsters instead of legitimate businesses.

Volunteer Tony Carr, 69, has joined the scheme which will mean every victim of fraud being contacted with advice and guidance about how to avoid being ripped off.

The retired accountant from Worthing said he has seen how businesses can get ripped off, and wants to do his bit to help.

He has encouraged other volunteers to come forward to join the scheme.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “There have been more than 14,000 reports to Action Fraud in Sussex last year, costing £28 million.

“That is a huge amount of money that people are losing. It can be absolutely life-changing.

“You don’t have to be vulnerable to lose your life savings.”

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Richardson said half of all crimes now being committed are fraud, and those who are targeted once are likely to be targeted again.

He said: “This is about preventing people from becoming repeat victims.

“I want to say thank you to the volunteers for stepping up to the mark.”

Visit safespacesussex.org.uk for more information.