A new pyramid scheme aimed at women has started in Monmouthshire, Trading Standards officers warned this week, and it's already targeted women in the Chepstow and Caldicot area, and possibly in Weston Super Mare.

Councillor Bryan Jones, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards at Monmouthshire County Council, explained:

"Luckily, so far we have not had any reports of anyone falling victim to the scam but we want to alert people to be wary.

"The scheme operates by inviting women to send money, in this case believed to be £3,000, to the person on the top of a mailing list. Those women are then added to the list, and invite others to join. Eventually they get to the top of the list and hope the people contacted later in the scheme also send money. Officers have been informed participants may also have to answer some quiz questions to get their money. At some point it is inevitable the scheme will end and many women will lose their money with little or no hope of getting it back."

"These schemes are aimed at vulnerable people and are always going to fail at some point. It is inevitable that many people will lose their money. There is no such thing as a free 'lunch'.

'We strongly advise people to resist any thought of joining this scheme, or any similar scheme."

Here are top tips from Monmouthshire County Council's Trading Standards Manager, Phil Glanville:

Avoid plans that offer commissions based solely on recruiting new members.

Be cautious of claims that you'll make money through continued growth or commissions on sales by your recruited distributors, instead of sales you make yourself.

Look out for decoy references. Some promoters pay people to describe fictional success in earning money through the plan. Ask for solid evidence rather than a glowing testimonial.

Don't hand over any money or sign a contract to participate in any multi-level marketing plan until you've investigated it. Take independent professional advice.

Don't agree to anything (or sign anything) at high-pressure meetings or seminars.

For advice and information, contact Consumer Direct 08454 040506.