Hundreds of potential victims of conmen have come forward with information on scams since a crackdown was launched earlier this year.

Trading Standards officers in Oxfordshire have received more than 300 examples of dodgy mail from members of public as part of its 'Scamnesty' campaign.

The scheme urges residents to forward potential cons to trading standards officers. The authority has set up a series of 'Scambuster' bins where examples can be dropped off.

The evidence is used by experts to gain intelligence on scammers who use deceptive prize draws, lotteries and other schemes to con the public into parting with cash.

Fraudsters sending fake letters and emails steal at least £2m from Oxfordshire residents every year.

Ian Marriott, of Oxfordshire Trading Standards, said: "We're very encouraged by the response so far, and want as many people as possible to continue submitting the suspicious mailings they receive."

Around 30,000 people in Oxfordshire fall victim to scams every year.

Nationally, there are around around three million victims every year, but research shows less than five per cent report the scam to the authorities.

The most popular cons are sent through the post or on email claiming the recipient has won a prize draw, usually pretending to be linked to EuroMillions or the Spanish Lottery.

They urge the victim to transfer sometimes thousands of pounds from their bank account in order to get the 'winnings'.

The Scamnesty scheme is backed by the experts from the BBC One television show The Real Hustle.

Suspect mail can be dropped off in Scamnesty bins at county hall, in New Road, Oxford, at Thame One Stop Shop, in Thame Town Hall and Banbury Town Shop, in Bridge Street.

They can also be posted to Trading Standards, County Hall, Oxford, OX1 1ND or sent via an email to trading.standards@oxfordshire.gov.uk