London has been nominated a fraudsters paradise as recent figures reveal that more counterfeit activity takes place in the Capital than anywhere else.

Research conducted by Cifas, the UK's fraud prevention service for asset finance, shows that credit card fraud is most likely to take place within the Big Smoke.

Cifas research manager Sandra Peaston has noted that "almost all" fraudulent activity is takes place in London. .

"Many elements conspire to make London the hub of activity for fraudsters, not least because they may feel that the population density affords anonymity," she commented.

"Years ago, that might have been true, but fraud data sharing has put an end to that. It is also true to say that London is a city of stark contrast where extraordinarily wealthy and socially disadvantaged people often live in close proximity. This can both provoke and help to facilitate fraudulent behaviour."

Consumers have been warned to take care when in the East Ham, Croydon or Peckham areas of London as these top the table for fraudulent behaviour.