Phoney property and buy-to-let schemes are particularly in vogue with scamsters, the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

In addition, people who have been made redundant or have benefited from a compensation claim are increasingly being targeted by fraudsters.

The DTI said it had wound up 371 scam companies during the past year.

"It is a sad fact that the scams and rip-off money-making schemes continue to resurface in a number of different guises, usually taking advantage of people's good nature or desire to make a bit of money," said consumer minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

Warnings

Previously, the DTI has issued warnings over bogus lottery scams originating abroad and web based 'phishing' operations.

The DTI has now drawn up a list of the most recent scams to come to light:

• Get-rich-quick property and buy-to-let schemes which exaggerate likely returns
• Sale of agricultural land in areas where there is virtually no development potential
• Publications offering advertising space with the bogus promise that proceeds go to charity
• Schemes offering the chance to make a profit from buying up debts.

The DTI said that consumers and businesses need to follow some simple do's and dont's to avoid falling prey to the scamsters.

People should avoid providing personal or financial information until are were sure a company is legitimate, the DTI advises.

It also warns against judging the credibility of a company or its sales people by how professional they or their promotional material seem.