Croydon Council has launched a crackdown on so-called fortune tellers and palm readers who have been conning people out of money.

The council's trading standards team has seen a rise in complaints about astrologists claiming to reveal secrets of the past, present and future - in return for customers' cash.

The sham shamans are said to have exploited the vulnerable by demanded increasing sums of money for their services, reducing some victims to tears.

The council has asked people to provide details of when and where they were conned. 

Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for safety and justice, said: "Many of the people who visit these tricksters do so because of a traumatic event – such as illness or the loss of a loved one – and are in a vulnerable state.

"That leaves them open to being taken advantage of, and we suspect that’s happening in a growing number of instances.

"There’s no blame attached to them because of this, and they shouldn’t feel at all shamed – they’ve fallen victim to a professional conman who’s out to take them for all he can get.

"That’s why we’re asking people to let us know what happened, and the effect it had on them, and assuring them that their identity won’t be revealed. We hope to be able to use the information gathered to put a stop to this worrying and damaging trend."

Anybody who has been conned can contact Croydon Council by emailing trading.standards@croydon.gov.uk or calling 020 8407 1311.

Have you been duped by someone claiming to be an astrologer, palm reader or fortune teller? Email chris.baynes@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 0208 722 6351.