A Suffolk Trading Standards Scamnesty campaign is using special bins across the county in a bid to snare unscrupulous conmen.

Officers have launched Scamnesty in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk's Mark Murphy Show.

The month-long initiative encourages people to report potential scams and help prevent others from falling victim.

Throughout this month bins will be placed across Suffolk for people 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 bins can be found at libraries, council buildings and Citizen's Advice Bureaus. A full list of locations can be found at www.suffolk.gov.uk/scamnesty

Mark Murphy said: '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.

As well as direct mail, scammers use email, phone calls, texts and face to face methods to try and trick people into handing over their money and personal details.

Residents are being encouraged to report any potential scams by calling Suffolk Trading Standards on 0345 404 0506.