STILL tempted by those promises of a free Caribbean cruise? Or that guaranteed big lottery prize just waiting to be claimed?

All you have to do is send off a modest fee to cover taxes and it's yours, they tell you.

But before you post the cheque to Canada, remember the only people that are going to get rich quick are the ones banking your money.

And if you do respond to these too-good-to-be-true offers, you could end up on a "suckers" list, with your personal details sold on to other scam peddlers around the world.

"As soon as you fill in one of those coupons or pick up the phone to make that call, they know they have you hooked," said Andy Sheriff from Bournemouth council's trading standards department.

"Your details are added to 'suckers' lists with thousands of other people who have shown an interest."

Once you are on these lists, which are sold on the internet, you can be deluged with new scams.

"It's very much a worldwide industry," added Mr Sheriff. "Many of those involved are professional salespeople who devote their entire lives to parting other people from their money."

The warnings come as the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launches a campaign to help people watch out for the tell-tale signs of a scam.

Most offer tempting and easy ways to make money, and then ask for cash up front to cover administration fees or taxes. No legitimate competition would do this, says the OFT.

Scammers may also ask for your bank details or tell you to ring a premium rate phone number.

More than 500,000 leaflets and posters highlighting the most common scams are now being distributed through libraries, community groups, police stations and door-to-door.

Penny Boys, of the OFT, said: "Our campaign aims to equip consumers with the skills and knowledge to recognise scams and so prevent themselves and others from falling victim to manipulative approaches."

But the key advice is to be sceptical. Don't send money or give out personal details, and contact the trading standards, your Citizens Advice Bureau or the police for advice.

TELL TALE SIGNS:

Catching people unawares by making unsolicited contact via email, telephone or post. Lists of names and addresses are easily bought and sold, said the OFT.

Offering tempting and easy opportunities to make money.

Asking for money up-front to claim a prize to cover administration fees or taxes - no legitimate competition does this.

Asking for bank details or to ring a premium rate number.

First published: February 10