THE mother of a Royal Marine, the victim of a recent fraud, is warning others not to get taken in by such ghastly crooks (March 26).

Unfortunately the fraud cases reported are only the tip of a very large ‘iceberg’.

Many people do not realise that you cannot report fraud in person at a police station anymore. There is an organisation known as ‘Action Fraud’ operated nationally by the Metropolitan Police in London accessed by email or telephone only.

They collect fraud information and decide whether it merits investigation by the local constabulary.

The perpetrators of fraud have little care for their vulnerable victims who often live alone, are disabled, elderly ‘at risk’, or a combination of all three. It is easy to understand why fraudsters are able to ingratiate themselves to victims. Very often, a fraudster believes he/she is actually helping the victim but one point is certain, committing this type of crime usually leads to a prison sentence even if no crimes have been detected in the past.

So, I say this to the fraudster (or potential fraudster): Keep looking over your shoulder, you will never know if retribution is the next knock on your door. The authorities may be slow, but often get results.

ALAN KERRY, Newman Road, Littlemore