When people respond to scams and pay out money they are put on a so-called ‘suckers list’ and bombarded with hundreds of new scam mailings.

Through responding to scams some people have lost their life savings. Others face heath problems, family issues and depression – and in some cases it has led to suicide.

Ian Shackle’s 82-year-old uncle, Albert from Dorset, was contacted by scammers by post and lost £7000.

‘Albert is a well educated man but he started getting letters saying he had won prizes of up to £5 million – all he needed to do was send off a registration fee each time. He is of a generation which says that when you get an official-looking letter like that you reply to it. Before long he was being avalanched by 70 letters a day. He would go off to the post office and write cheques and it took over his life. It affected his health, he had to go to hospital, and went into residential care to prevent it continuing.’

The OFT says that scams can be recognised because:

• they are received out of the blue;
• they promise something for nothing; and
• they want money up front.

Typical scams are fake prize draw and lotteries, bogus clairvoyant or psychic predictions, get rich quick schemes or miracle health cures. The scams play on the hopes, fears, or superstitions of consumers and ask you to send off money.

The OFT advises:

• Stop, think, and think again.
• Do not be pressurised into sending money to someone you do not know.
• How likely is it that you have been especially chosen for this offer? Millions of people are likely to have received the same offer.
• Read the mailing carefully. If you are unsure, speak to family or friends and seek advice.
• Always report scams to authorities as you could stop it happening to thousands of other people.
• Be doubtful when you get an offer that looks too good to be true - it probably is.

The OFT has produced a new booklet for carers and care professionals on how to recognise scams and deal with them – call 0800 389 3158 for free copies of this publication.

Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of a scam, or suspects a scam is being attempted, can contact Consumer Direct for clear, practical advice. Telephone Consumer Direct  on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk