DO not fall victim to the postal scams.That is the message today from Trading Standards after the Evening Star was informed of more companies ripping people off.

DO not fall victim to the postal scams.

That is the message today from Trading Standards after the Evening Star was informed of more companies ripping people off.

Maureen Wright, 57, of Church Road, Stutton, Ipswich received nine letters in two weeks all saying that he had won prizes.

However, to claim the objects, she would have to send a "nominal processing fee" or phone an expensive premium rate number both costing about £10.

The letters claimed she had won cash, a car, a Mediterranean cruise and a computer and included made up quotes from other "winners".

One letter said: "Good news. You've been awarded at least one and maybe more of these exciting awards."

Mrs Wright said: "I just kept getting the letters on a daily basis and it does look like you have won.

"It just annoys me that companies are trying to con people out of money and I am fed up with it.

"There are so many naïve people that do fall for it and the companies are making a lot of money.

"The letters are so convincing and I feel bad for the elderly who might fall for it."

Suffolk trading standards officers have urged people not to send any money to these companies.

A spokesman said: "If the letter is genuine and you have won a prize, there should never be a need to send money to claim it."

He added that anyone unhappy with these letters should send them to the Advertising Standards Authority. Their address is 2 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HW.

The spokesman believed the premium rate company was not doing anything illegal but he urged people to read the small print where it says how much the call will last and cost.

But, if you think the letter is misleading, you can contact the Misleading Advertising Team. Their address is The Office Of Fair Trading, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury House, London, EC4Y 8JX.