Warnings have been issued by Trading Standards about hoax emails and letters.
The department in Rutland County Council is offering advice on how to avoid losing money to scams.
Jane Day, senior adviser and education officer, said: "An estimated five million people lose money to scams in the UK every year and we hope to low
er this figure significantly by raising awareness.
"We have recently been contacted about a gentleman who has been receiving sometimes over 10 scam letters a day and has, unfortunately, been sending money to these rogues."
One of the scams you need to look out for is letters, emails or faxes from an "official" claiming to offer a share in a large sum of money for using your bank account to transfer money. Some e-mails seem to come from the bank itself but a bank will neverask you to give your details in an email.
You should never respond to an e-mail which appears to be from a bank or give your bank details to a stranger as you will find your account has been emptied. Always be wary before giving any bank or credit card details and never give these unless you are going to purchase the item they are being given for.
Advice is available from Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
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