CONSUMER watchdogs are warning people not to get taken in by scams offering the chance to make easy money.

Trading standards officers in Hartlepool have issued information to try to protect the public.

The schemes are usually advertised in local newspapers, magazines and shop windows, or through leaflets left on car windscreens.

They tempt people with the promise of making a lot of money without the need for skills or qualifications.

The catch is that there is a need to pay money up front before starting work - usually in the form of a registration fee, making a premium rate phone call or buying goods.

After the money has been paid, people find that they either do not get any work, or do not get paid for it.

Michael Welsh, Hartlepool Borough Council's principal trading standards officer, said: "Always remember the old saying - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Hartlepool Trading Standards team issued the advice as part of North-East Scam Awareness Week, which ended yesterday.