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Residents in Poole are being warned to steer clear of money making schemes which offer the chance to 'get rich quick'.

Schemes are now appearing on the Internet and via e-mail as well as in shop windows, local press and direct mail. They attract people by convincing them they will make a fortune by sending money to a list of people, to which their name is added.

Peter Pawlowski, Head of Consumer Protection, Borough of Poole, said: "There are lots of these schemes around and people are more likely to be tempted in the run up to Christmas. Although the ones that involve just money may be illegal (under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976) clever wording can sometimes bypass the law. A positive outcome from such schemes is rare, if everyone carried out the instructions on the letter people at the start may make money but inevitably the majority of people lose out."

He added: "There are also 'home-working' schemes to be avoided. If you receive any correspondence the golden rule is to avoid any scheme which asks for money before the promoter gives you information, be cautious, it is likely to be too good to be true."

A recent example was an 'investment' scheme which originated on the Isle of Wight called 'Women Empowering Women' where many who took part lost in excess of £3000.

Councillor Tony Trent, Chairman of Environment & Prosperity Policy Advisory Group, Borough of Poole, said: "I have received a lot of suspicious e-mails recently which tell me how to make a fortune by sending money or promoting products. I referred the most recent one to Consumer Protection and advise others to do likewise. Old schemes are now re-appearing on the Internet and e-mail which have caught people out before. We all need to be vigilant in order to protect local residents and ensure that people are not caught out by these scams."