Late teens and I got a letter from some military dept (can't remember the details).
Remember this was way before computers and internet and how we are used to recognising scams and "wind ups"!
It was on an official letterhead and explained that I was appointed as "Fire Warden" for the whole village.
It detailed what equipment I had to carry which included..... A gas mask A helmet A ladder A hosepipe A bucket of sand A stirrup pump, and I don't remember what else, but also how the equipment was to be carried, ie in which hand and over which shoulder etc.
I was mortified, as to how ridiculous I would look, and the shame and embarrassment!
They had me well stitched up, and it was quite some time before it sank in, that it was a wind up!