A GROUP of elderly people conned by scammers have had some cash returned to them after police and trading standards officers got hold of a list of unscrupulous businesses.

They visited about 25 people who over the last five years have lost at least £82,000 between them. Most of the victims are aged 70 and over and live alone with some receiving around 100 scam letters each week.

In most cases the scams started when people ordered cheap goods from a mailshot such as diabetic or gourmet foods, herbal remedies or ornaments.

Their details were then passed to a range of fake businesses which bombarded victims with letters claiming they had won thousands of pounds in a prize draw or foreign lottery and asking for money to claim the winnings.

Other letters were threatening "dire consequences" if they didn't buy lucky crystals or take the advice of 'clairvoyants'.

In the worst cases victims sent up to £60 a week, making it difficult for them to pay household bills and in one incident even buy food. Some people had houses full of mail and even developed systems of sorting it.

Watchdogs are working through a list, seized from a scammer, and are returning cash, cheques and postal orders - retrieved from scam mail businesses at their premises and postal hubs - to the victims.

One woman spent £15,000 in five years while one man is believed to have paid out more than £30,000 over a similar period.

Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron cabinet member for Green, Smart and Sustainable borough said: "Nationally there are around 200,000 victims of scam mail with an average age of 74. The total amount scammed from them is an estimated £13m which works out at £1,184 per person. These unscrupulous conmen are targeting the elderly who cannot afford to lose this sort of money."

Officers have been visiting people to encourage them to stop responding to scam mail. Details of the scammers are shared with the police and other enforcement agencies with a view to taking action whenever possible.

Less than five per cent of mail scams are reported but Trading Standards officers are urging people to come forward if they have been targeted. Family and friends are also being urged to help protect older residents.

If you have been conned or know someone who has report it to Trading Standards on 01744 676299 or email tradingstandards@sthelens.gov.uk.