CONSUMERS in Worcestershire have been warned to be on their guard against scams which could cost them thousands of pounds.

People across the country lose an estimated £1bn a year to scams and on Tuesday the Evening News reported how Garnett Alderson, of Foregate Street, Worcester, sent off cheques after receiving junk mail telling him he had won - never to hear anything again.

"These scams have popped up in Worcester over the last couple of years," said Charlotte Renshaw of Worcestershire Trading Standards.

"A lot of scams originate from overseas, which makes detection and prosecution more difficult.

"We've had a few people in Evesham recently who were targeted by the Spanish lottery scam and then you find they blitz addresses in another area.

"If anybody receives an offer that sounds too good to be true, they should check the number with directory enquiries and call us if it turns out to be a scam."

The Office of Fair Trading has revealed the top 10 scams which people need to be aware of:

Telephone lottery. People respond to a telephone call, telling them they are being entered in a prize draw. You must pay money for "taxes and fees" before claiming your prize - which does not exist.

Foreign government payouts.

Scams where you must ring a premium rate telephone number to claim your prize.

A telephone call offering the chance to invest in shares.

Nigerian advance fee frauds.

Pyramid schemes.

Matrix scams where websites offer expensive hi-tech gadgets as free gifts in return for buying a cheaper item.

Advertisements offering credit.

Property investment schemes where would-be investors attend a presentation.

Work-at-home scams.

Worcestershire Trading Standards can be contacted on 01905 765373.