CONSUMER watchdogs in York have warned residents to steer clear of emails making extravagant claims about unrealistic earnings.

The city council's trading standards team has urged internet users to be on the alert for promises of work opportunities over the Christmas period - which officers have warned may not be what they seem.

Appealing to people with money problems, the unemployed or the low paid, the latest batch of emails offer a significant monthly income to residents with bank accounts, all without leaving their homes.

The emails are believed to originate in Germany, but are targeted at UK residents. They invite the recipients to work for a company with "established offices worldwide" which is involved in "payment processing". They offer payment of "2,000" every month - but do not specify a currency.

The trading standards team said some of the schemes involved offered a commission paid through the bank account of those who signed up to them.

Colin Rumford, City of York Council's head of trading standards, said: "Many schemes make extravagant claims about unrealistic earnings and don't explain clearly what the work involves.

"A lot of people lose money to bogus schemes. At this time of year many people are looking at ways to fund the extra expense of Christmas, but we would urge local residents to steer clear of these emails.

"Be on your guard. It is inadvisable to provide financial information to any company. Question claims and assurances that you will make money for a minimal outlay, and take independent advice before replying to such 'opportunities'."

Amanda McTaggart, a senior fair trading officer, said: "The type of promises these emails make would suggest it is similar to bogus schemes we have seen in the past.

"We do not know of anyone who has lost money through this scheme, but people receiving these emails should, of course, be very cautious."

Bogus emails received by York residents in the past have included "phishing" scams. An email claims to be from a legitimate enterprise, and asks users to click on an internet link. The targets are then tricked into revealing their bank details and their accounts are plundered by the scammer. Security firm Symantec estimates that 1.78 million people have fallen for the con worldwide, losing millions of pounds.

Updated: 10:08 Thursday, December 23, 2004