Watchdog's 'festive scams' alert

The campaign has been backed by stars from The Real Hustle

Scam-artists are more likely to target their victims during the festive period and in an economic downturn, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned.

The watchdog said that bogus "miracle" slimming products would be aimed at those hoping to lose weight after Christmas parties.

Other common tricks included bogus lotteries and fake psychics.

The OFT estimated that each year UK consumers lost £3.5bn to scams, with the average victim tricked out of £850.

'Opportune'

"Christmas is a special time of year but unfortunately it is also a period when many people feel under financial and emotional pressure," said Mike Haley, head of consumer protection at the OFT.

"It is also an opportune time for would-be scammers to prey on people's vulnerability with bogus prize, gift and cash offers."

He added that scam-artists offering swift cash rewards were likely to be more active during the economic downturn.

The elderly, single parents and families on low incomes were also set to be targeted during Christmas, the OFT warned.

Actors from the BBC's The Real Hustle have backed the OFT's anti-scam campaign, urging people to be suspicious of unsolicited offers and money requests as well as being alert to the threat of identity theft.