West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service said two scams are being operated.

ONE: Residents receive a telephone call offering a 'guaranteed' unsecured loan to help ease money worries – all the consumer has to do is pay a £200 or so fee up front.

"Often, however, no loan is arranged and the customer is told the fee is non refundable. This is not true – in fact, the company has a legal obligation to refund all but £5 of the fee paid."

"If the company does not refund the money, the consumer has the right to recover the money in court, but this can become a complicated process" said Rob Scovell, Senior Trading Standards Officer.

TWO: A consumer is offered the chance to 'sell' their credit agreement debt and all liabilities to a 'claims management' company.

"It sounds very attractive, but has no basis in law and the consumer can end up paying a hefty fee for the 'purchase' while retaining full liability for the debt.

"Consumers will also still be subject to any debt collection activity and negative credit scoring associated with the original debt," said Rob.

Some of the firms offering these services do not have consumer credit licences and Trading Standards Services across the country are working with The Office of Fair Trading to prosecute them for unlicensed trading.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "Like most scams – when something looks too good to be true, it usually is. This is certainly the case here.

"You cannot simply sell on your debt and its liabilities. Businesses that make misleading claims to the contrary, or refuse to refund arrangement fees, are just trying to take advantage of consumers' distress.

"Consumers with debt problems should contact their creditor to arrange a repayment plan or their local Citizens Advice Bureau which will be able to provide free advice."

Have you been hit by the scams? What do you think about them? Leave a comment below or contact the newsdesk by calling 01403 751200 or email by clicking here.