VICTIMS of scams, con tricks and computer viruses could avoid being caught out again - thanks to a new North Yorkshire initiative.

Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce is fighting back against the various cons which are sweeping the country with a new updated scam check list.

The list describes 18 different methods used by people to try to obtain money by false pretences.

It suggests what action to take to avoid becoming a victim, what to do if you are caught, and also covers email spam and viruses.

Brian Dunsby, chief executive of Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said the chamber had decided to publish the check-list after many of their members were targeted by scams.

"It was prompted by the avalanche of letters, faxes and emails from Africa, offering a share in a multi-million pound hoard, when in practice all they are trying to do is get hold of your bank and credit card details.

"We built up a collection of examples of other tricks where people are trying to get money through false pretences."

He said a new problem facing businesses was known as the Netsky worm, a virus that infiltrates computers, sending out large numbers of emails and bringing the system to a standstill.

One chamber member received a short email and when he opened the attachment, his computer sent out 12,652 emails in half a day.

Among the top scams targeting businesses in North Yorkshire at the moment is the Data Protection Registration swindle.

In this scam, businesses receive official looking letters or visits from officials claiming they must pay £95 plus VAT to register under the Data Protection Act or face a large fine.

The companies behind this are not officially authorised and any businesses that process personal data should register with the Information Commissioner directly for £35. The chamber also warns businesses to beware of cheap software offers via email, unexpected emails asking for bank details and mailings from clairvoyants, which attempt to frighten people into sending money to avoid bad luck.

Particularly topical scams at the moment include data protection registration services, domain name registration offers, premium rate calls and fax-backs, international directories and computer viruses or worms.

The check list includes a comprehensive list of computer file extensions that should not be opened, as they could well be virus-infected.

Even emails from a "friend" that say they have been infected and then explain in detail how to identify and delete the attached file in your computer, cannot be trusted. They are invariably hoaxes and can cause total malfunction.

Anyone wanting a free copy of the check list should send a stamped addressed envelope to Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, PO Box 8, Harrogate, HG2 8XB or visit the chamber's website, harrogatechamber.org/scamsspams.html

How to avoid being scammed

Buy computer software only from reputable dealers

Only give your banking details on the internet when visiting secure banking web sites

Never respond to unsolicited emails from unknown senders

Do not respond to unsolicited telephone calls and emails which invite you to attend presentations to collect free holidays or other large prizes

Ignore unsolicited text messages or faxes which invite you to respond to a premium rate number

Don't send money to companies claiming you have won a prize

Don't open email attachments with any of the following extensions: -bat, exe, pif, scr, vbs. They may well include viruses

Do consult North Yorkshire Trading Standards on 01609 768606 if you receive something you suspect is a scam

Updated: 11:10 Friday, February 27, 2004