MORE than 350 “suckers” in the Tendring district are being targeted by con artists.

They are among almost 3,000 in Essex on a list which trading standards has seized.

The list is made up of vulnerable people who have either been conned in the past or are at risk of falling prey to spammers and scammers.

Details are then passed around fraudsters who continue to target them.

Essex trading standards discovered about 200 completed formswith cheques, cash, postal orders, stamps and credit card details – complete with security codes. Scams included prize draws and special offers for sweets.

County Hall trading standards boss RogerWalters (above right) said: “Unfortunately, we know this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Residents who respond to scams often will not tell family, friends or neighbours.

“It is difficult to persuade someone who has been responding for years the prize draw or whatever else is not real."

The money is being returned and people on the “suckers”

list will be informed and given specific advice.

It is hoped the discovery of the list will help others avoid falling victim and protect those who have been a victim in the past.

Therewere 234 potential targets on the list living in Clacton, 47 in Frinton and 26 in Walton.