offering help in emigrating to the United States.

And a spokesman said the same advice was often available free from US Consulates, Embassies and the US Immigration Department.

An advertisement in The Royal Gazette said changes in the law made by the US Congress had made it "possible for persons to enter the US as independent immigrants''.

The advert added the firm, American Successors, also provided general advice on emigration to America and could supply forms.

It gave a PO Box number in New York and invited readers to send a resume to see if they qualify for entry.

The US Consulate spokesman said he could not comment on individual firms who offered immigration advice.

But he added: "Most of these things are scams and I wouldn't put much credence in them.

"Most of these outfits which set up and put advertisements in papers are after people's money.

"They may give some good advice, but it's nothing you couldn't find out yourself from US Government sources. There is tons of information available from the Consulate which can be picked up during normal business hours.'' The US Consulate General's office is at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, PO Box HM 325, Hamilton, HMBX, telephone 295-1342.