ALMOST a fifth of people across Britain have fallen victim to a finance scam in the past year, Citizens Advice research finds.

The charity estimates that nine million people have been affected in scams, including being offered fake pensions or investment opportunities.

More than two-fifths of people who were scammed had to borrow or increase their debt in some way to get by, the survey of more than 2,100 people in August found.

Nearly a quarter had to turn to friends or family for financial help, while a fifth had to take on additional jobs or shifts at work.

Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty said: “It’s particularly worrying to see the impact on people’s finances afterwards, especially if they have to borrow to get by.

“It’s important for us all to be on our guard — if you’re not sure about something, take your time and get advice.”