A WOMAN has urged others to beware of online scams after she was conned out of £25,000.

The East Sussex resident, who wished to only be known as Sarah, said it had been "traumatic" to lose such a large amount of money.

Sarah had wanted to invest some money and contacted a company she believed could help after she found their details online, and was sent a convincing prospectus which copied the genuine company’s details.

Setting up the investment took a couple of weeks and Sarah was then asked to make the payment of £25,000, just three hours before the supposed investment offer expired.

Sarah became concerned when she failed to receive her account log-in details after she had transferred the money.

When she tried to contact the company, she found the phone number had been disconnected and the email address was no longer valid and realised she had been conned.

Sarah said: "Losing such a large amount of money has been very traumatic. I was well aware of scams but I was still caught out. They were so convincing.

“People must always check the company they are dealing with, however reputable they seem, and that the personnel are who they say they are before paying.

"Always heed any bank warnings about scams even if it might mean missing out on what seems to be a great deal, and be very suspicious of deadline dates.

"Don’t get conned as I was.”

The East Sussex Trading Standards team is reminding the public to be on their guard during Scams Awareness Fortnight, which runs to June 25.

People are encouraged to be fraud aware and to be wary of investment opportunities that promise high returns, unexpected emails seemingly from financial organisations, or texts or phone calls asking for money to be transferred quickly.

Richard Strawson, East Sussex Trading Standards team manager, said: “Falling prey to a scam comes at a huge emotional cost as well as a financial one for the victims.

"Scams can affect anyone so it is important to know how to spot one.

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach so it’s vital that people are on their guard.

"Don’t feel pressurised, ask questions, and check with someone you trust – if something seems too good to be true, then it is likely to be a scam.”

If you think you have been scammed contact your bank first, then report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

For advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.