Don't fall victim to the scammers this Christmas!

That's the message from the Office of Fair Trading at a time of year when members of the public are bombarded with bogus offers.

From fake lotteries and deceptive prize draws to so-called miracle slimming pills, most are nothing more than a con.

The OFT is concerned that vulnerable groups like the elderly, single parents and those on low incomes could be tempted by the offer of easy cash rewards.

Trading Standards Officer Pauline Wood (pictured) says lists of names of those who respond are sold on to other scammers, which can lead to a deluge of unwanted mail (play attached audio file):

More on Thursday's Mandate.