LANCASTER'S MP Hilton Dawson has warned householders in the district not to be taken in by offers of fabulous prizes which land on their doormat.

The MP issued the warning after a constituent alerted him about a foreign prize draw scam which is targeting the district.

The 'Global Cash Delivery Program' claims to offer specific residents a share of a cash balance alleged to be £456,000 if they send a £6.97 processing fee to an address abroad.

It also asks for an extra £1 for shipping insurance costs.

Said Mr Dawson: "I was approached by a constituent who has received several letters originating from abroad which purport to offer large cash prizes. My constituent was astute enough to realise that no genuine prize scheme would ask for a £6.97 processing fee' and decided to contact me to see if anything could be done. I am very concerned that vulnerable people in our society on limited incomes, who are least able to afford to lose this kind of sum, should be taken in by these tricks."

The MP has raised the issue with Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths of the Department of Trade and Industry.

He added: "It's clear from the Minister's response that there are mechanisms in place for dealing with the regulation of so-called prize draws in the UK. However, it's very difficult for the Government to act in a case like this where the post originates from abroad. There is clearly a need for a greater degree of international co-operation to try and stamp out this type of caper."

The ASA will take up complaints about misleading promotions of this kind and, if they originate from abroad, can liaise with similar organisations abroad.

Their advice is that any prize draw which asks you to send in money abroad is most probably bogus.

Also, anyone who wants to reduce the amount of junk mail they get should register with the Mail Preference Service, Freepost 22, London W1E 7EZ.

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