REGULAR readers of the City of York Council Trading Standards Consumer Column will remember that earlier this month we told local consumers that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) had joined forces with Trading Standards departments and other organisations across the country in a campaign to highlight Scams Awareness Month.

Helping consumers to spot tomorrow's scams is the key to stopping fraudsters earning millions. A fortnight ago we told you about the top ten scams including prize draws, telephone lottery scams and advance fee frauds, but next week, next month and next year there will be new frauds and swindles designed to part people from their money.

However, most scams, often organised by criminal gangs, have common elements, designed to hook victims so the message from the OFT and Trading Standards is Recognise It, Report It, Stop It!

Scam operators will:

Catch you unawares by making unsolicited contact with you by email, telephone or post - lists of individual names and addresses are easily bought and sold, and once you respond to one scam you'll be inundated with others

Offer you tempting and easy ways to make money

Ask for money up front to claim your prize or cover administration fees or taxes - no legitimate competition does this

Ask for your bank details, or to phone a premium rate number (UK premium rate numbers start with 090)

Ask you to buy something in order to get your prize.

We would advise all consumers to be sceptical. Don't send money or give out personal details to anyone until you've checked them out. You can always contact your local Trading Standards Service, CAB, police or OFT for advice.

More than half a million leaflets and posters containing advice on how to recognise and guard against scams have been distributed through libraries, community groups, police stations and door to door. For your free copy phone City of York Trading Standards on 01904 552519.

Updated: 11:12 Thursday, February 17, 2005