Newbury Sound spoke to Sean Murphy from West Berkshire Trading Standards to find out more about how to beat the scammers associated with Pyramid Selling Schemes as part of Scamnesty Month.

To listen to the report, click play.

What it is:

A pyramid scheme is a money-making club which promises, once you've paid a joining fee, that you can earn large amounts by recruiting new members. However only those at the top make money and the schemes can collapse, leaving you out of pocket.

Matrix schemes offer a hi-tech gift, like an MP3 player, free. First you have to buy something low value. If you do, you join a waiting list. The person at the top gets their free gift only if a large number of new members sign up. In reality, most people never get the gift.

Most likely approach:

Web advert or maybe from a friend who has been taken in by the scheme.

How to protect yourself:

Stop, think and be sceptical. Are you being offered something for nothing? If so, why? Avoid schemes that offer money based solely on signing up new members.

If you think you have been a victim of a scam, or suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the Consumer Direct website by clicking here.