The Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum has recorded the highest-ever amount lost by islanders to scammers.

£606,250 was lost last winter  - between November 2022 to February this year.  That is the highest four-month figure ever recorded.

The States of Jersey Police received 36 reports of scams in that period.

Chief Inspector Chris Beechey, the forum's Chairman, says whilst criminals use more sophisticated tactics, it is reassuring to see cases being reported.

"Feedback from our Forum members suggests that the public are feeling more confident about identifying potential scams and reporting them to the relevant authorities."

The most significant losses were in investment, including cryptocurrency, bitcoin and banking fraud.

Criminals target islanders concerned about the cost of living crisis by luring their victims into get-rich-quick schemes and offering illegitimate financial support.

Those more likely to be more susceptible to scam tactics include the elderly and vulnerable.

JFPF has also reported a rise in event ticket and pet purchase scams, new forms of fraud proving popular among con artists.

The bi-annual newsletter will start to be distributed by Jersey Post on 24 April to update and educate islanders about fraud.

Islanders are being encouraged to stay alert and report anything they suspect may be fake to the police on 612 612 or the forum.