Fraudsters are to be targeted in a month-long campaign to encourage people to report potential scams.

Each year, more than three million people in the UK fall victim to scams.

To raise awareness of the problem, Suffolk County Council Trading Standards in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk's Mark Murphy Show is launching a new initiative named 'Scamnesty'.

Throughout July, Scamnesty bins will be placed across the county, and people are encouraged to discard any suspicious letters, leaflets or mail they suspect may be fraudulent.

Everything placed into the bins will be analysed and the information shared with Trading Standards and partner enforcement agencies in the UK.

The initiative also highlights the fact that scammers are also using email, phone calls, texts and face to face methods to try and trick people into handing over their money and personal details.

Mr Murphy said: 'I have worked closely with Suffolk Trading Standards over the years and fully appreciate the significance of campaigns like Scamnesty.

'I am thrilled to be playing my part in helping to keep vulnerable members of our communities safe and empowered. I will be using my show to speak to people whose lives have been directly affected by scammers as well as those that tackle the issue daily through education, advice and enforcement work.'

Suffolk County Councillor Sarah Stamp, Cabinet Member for Communities said: 'I have been out with our Trading Standards team and have seen first-hand the dreadful impact these scams can cause.

'An essential part of stopping fraudsters preying on vulnerable people is to make sure incidents are reported. I encourage anybody who receives any material they consider suspicious – or who is aware of any sent to an elderly relative - to report it to Trading Standards or post it in their local Scamnesty bin.

To report any potential scams, call Suffolk Trading Standards on 0345 404 0506 and follow the Scamnesty campaign on Twitter using #SuffolkScamnesty.

For a full list of where the 'Scamnesty' bins can be found, visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/scamnesty

Are you starting a new initiative to benefit the community? Email: joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk