MAIL SCAMS

Mail Scams are sent by post and may be addressed to you directly by name. They contain fake claims or offers that are designed to con you out of your money. It's not always easy to control what people send you but you can control your response.

 What to watch out for -

. Lotteries or prize draws claiming you've won a fortune. These often look legitimate, with barcodes or ID numbers. The letter will ask you to pay an administration fee, buy a product or call a premium-rate phone number to claim your winnings.

. Bills from companies you don't use. If you receive a bill from a provider and you're not sure if you have an account with them, find the company's contact details in the phone book or online and ask them. Don't use any contact information that's listed on the bill, as it'll likely be set by the scammer.

. Psychics and clairvoyants who claim to have seen something in your future.

. Pyramid investment schemes, which ask you to pay a fee and recruit friends or family to get a return on your investment.

. People asking for money because of unfortunate circumstances, like illness or poverty.

. Letters from a solicitor about an unclaimed inheritance, often from a relative overseas that you've never heard of.

What to do - 

Reject  - If you receive a letter you think is a scam, ignore it and throw it away. Never reply.

Report - Join the Scam Marshal Scheme. You send them your scam mail so they can catch criminals. You can find out more on the Friends Against Scams website www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk

Ignore - Don't call any premium-rate phone lines. These numbers start with 09 and calls can cost up to £4 per minute.

Verify - If unsure, check the details of the organisation or solicitor.

Opt Out - Try to avoid being added to mailing lists. For example, when you register to vote, tick the box to opt out of the edited register, as this can be used to send unsolicited marketing mail.

Reduce - Register with the Mailing Preference Service www.mpsonline.org.uk this will stop many direct mailing companies from contacting you, but not all of them.