Jockeys have been urged not to use high street banks after a string of frauds.

Around 30 jockeys and trainers have been targeted by the "fairly rudimentary scam", according to the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA).

It said the frauds were first reported in early 2014 and were continuing, "with the banks seemingly both unwilling and incapable of preventing or investigating them, and the police and Action Fraud of no use whatsoever".

The losses are thought to total a six-figure sum.

In its October newsletter, the PJA said: "What is most scandalous is that on almost every occasion the banks admit to not following their own procedures, handing significant sums of cash over - in some cases several thousands of pounds - despite signatures that don't match those held by the bank and/or warning flags on the account not to issue cash withdrawals following previous frauds."

"In the light of the significant and ongoing losses, which must now amount to a significant six-figure sum, the PJA and BHA have come to the conclusion that, given the ineptitude of the major high street banks in preventing the fraud and their lack of interest in prosecuting it, the only way to prevent the frauds from continuing is to move their current account banking off the high street.

"Those that are and chose to remain on the high street, please continue to keep a very close and regular eye on your transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately to your bank."