Hertfordshire Trading Standards is warning residents not to be duped by a postal scam from a company selling pricey cakes and chocolates.

Several reports have been received from households across the county which have received a mail shot from a Belgium-based company, Delices and Gourmandes.

Customers are told that they can claim a prize in a draw if they place an order from the company’s catalogue of expensive cakes and chocolates.

Once consumers order, they are told they will receive a cheque for their winnings. But rather than receiving a cheque, consumers instead get another mailing.

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibit unfair commercial practices which distort consumers’ decisions. They introduce a general duty not to trade unfairly on businesses dealing with consumers and prohibit misleading consumers by action or omission.

Bogus prize draws will contravene the regulations, however many PO Box addresses which appear to be UK-based are in fact operated from Europe and pose a considerable problem for enforcement authorities.