IF an offer or giveaway looks too good to be true then it probably is. That is the message from Dr Shamim Jagot, the manager of the Watford branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Speaking during the Office of Fair Trade's Scams awareness month, Dr Jagot said it was surprising how many people still fall prey to scammers.

He said: "I still get a fair few people asking me about these sorts of things, especially foreign lotteries asking for a small amount of cash so they can send a larger amount out to a person.

"If you can't remember entering a competition, and you have never heard of the company involved before, then it is probably be a scam. People have to be sceptical."

The OFT estimates UK consumers are conned out of £3.5billion each year.

It's campaign this month aims to give consumers the knowledge and skills they need to recognise, report and stamp out mass-marketed scams.

Recent research by the OFT revealed that every year one in 15 people (3.2 million adults) fall victim to scams across the UK.

The average amount lost per scam is £850.

The Eastern region is targeted for nine per cent of all UK scams and has seven per cent of all UK victims.

Mike Haley, head of Scambusters at the OFT, said: "Scammers are finding more ruthless and sophisticated ways to con the public of money by preying on their hopes and fears. This campaign is an attempt to get smart against the scammers.

"Scams affect not only individual victims, but also their families and communities, and can lead to debt, depression and health problems. Though anybody can be conned, it is always the most vulnerable who end up suffering the most.' The OFT has the following leaflets on scams: Scambuster' booklet (OFT831), How to recognise a scam' leaflet (OFT 764). For further information on scams visit www.oft.gov.uk/Consumer/Scams/default.htm, www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or phone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06