ALMOST 2,000 complaints were made about scams in Gwent between 2010 and 2014, according to Plaid Cymru.

South Wales East Plaid Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle warned householders to be aware of the dangers of scams. He said a 92-year-old friend of his had recently fallen victim to rogue traders who conned him out of £5,000 over roofing repairs.

His office submitted a Freedom of Information request to all Welsh local authorities to find out the extent of complaints about scams and cold calling.

It was found between 2010 and 2014 there were 253 such complaints in Blaenau Gwent, 656 in Caerphilly, at least 64 in Newport, 421 in Monmouthshire and 520 in Torfaen – totalling 1,914.

Mr Whittle said: “Older people are more likely to fall victim to these scammers and lose their life savings as has happened to too many.

“I support Age Cymru’s call for action by government and the telecom companies to tackle these scammers along with and measures such as an expansion cold calling zones.

“The information we obtained using the Freedom of Information Act is an indication of the significant concerns of people about scammers.”