HOUSEHOLDERS are urged to be on the lookout for the latest scam designed to trick them out of their hard-earned cash.

The latest mass-marketing con gives the gullible the impression that they are in with a chance of becoming millionaires if they are prepared to part with a small sum of money.

The warning comes from Consumer Direct Yorkshire and the Humber, which was launched last August by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Since then they have been inundated with calls from people who have been contacted by a company from across the Atlantic giving them news that appears to be too good to be true.

They have been offered the chance of a lifetime - either money that has been allocated to them, lottery winnings or prize draws that they have allegedly won. There is just an administration fee to pay.

This latest written scam has emerged from Canada and states that the recipient has been 'granted beneficial and legal interest in property that reports winnings generated in excess of £5,100,000 for the calendar year 2005.

Written in a way designed to confuse, the basis of the scam is that the 'property' will be allocated when the company receives a fee of £30.

Consumer Direct manager John Field said: "Since our launch we have received hundreds of complaints about mass marketing scams.

"This is yet another and even now we are aware of people being tempted.

"People need to realise that they will not only lose money but they will also become a potential future victim."

He said £30 did not sound like a lot but said: "Ask yourself how many other people will have received this letter, what are the chances of you ever hearing from this company again and can you afford to throw £30 away?"

Consumer Direct has been designed to provide first-line consumer advice to people across the region and is being introduced all over the country later this year.

It works in partnership with trading standards departments who investigate the complaints that it receives.

It can be contacted on 08454 040506 on weekdays from 8am to 6.30pm, and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm, or log on to the www.con sumerdirect.gov.uk web site.