A SCAM artist who stole thousands of pounds worth of mobile phones in Hampshire is among the UK's 10 most wanted fraudsters.

Naeem Ahmed, 44, is on the run after conning phone shops across the country, using stolen payment details to buy handsets.

He has targeted people in nearly 20 towns and cities including Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester and Fareham.

Ahmed's image is released today by the National Crime Agency as they appeal for the public's help to track down conmen who have swindled more than £20 million.

Ahmed, of Smethwick, West Midlands, is charged with 21 fraud offences between June and October 2014.

He used bogus payment details to obtain in-store mobile phone upgrades, being handed brand new handsets under false aliases.

The scam netted him more than £40,000 worth of goods.

Hampshire police arrested the 44-year-old at a shop in Portsmouth in 2014 but he is now at large and believed to be in the West Midlands.

The force did not respond last night when asked how he came to be on the run following his arrest.

Other criminals on the national hitlist have stolen money from hundreds of bank accounts, forged immigration documents and sold goods which never showed up.

Felix Rooney, from Greater Manchester, even duped an elderly man into paying £100,000 for 'roof repairs'.

The National Crime Agency and City of London Police, lead force for fraud, are working with banks to freeze their assets and trace their activities.

Donald Toon, director of the NCA’s Economic Crime Command, said: “The annual losses to the UK from fraud are estimated to be more than £190bn. Behind this headline figure lie the actions of criminals like the wanted fraudsters highlighted in this appeal, who have caused distress and loss to people and businesses up and down the country.

“Law enforcement cannot tackle this problem alone. It is only by working together, individuals, law enforcement, Government and the private sector – using structures like the Joint Fraud Task Force – that we can protect the UK against fraud.

“It is important that anyone able to provide information on the ten fraudsters we are highlighting today takes the opportunity to pass that information to law enforcement to help bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information on Naeem Ahmed's whereabouts is urged to call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting ref 44160261412. Alternatively, to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.