Alert over bogus lottery letters

Police warn a lottery scam could cost people money

More than 100 complaints have been made to Suffolk police about a bogus lottery that is based in Spain.

Scores of residents have received letters stating they have won a portion of an international lottery they have not even entered.

The letters include a request for personal and bank details including account number, sort code and address.

These details could then be used to gain access to people's accounts, Suffolk police said.

If it looks too good to be true then it probably is Det Insp Caroline Millar

As well as the form recipients are given a phone number to call.

Anyone who does so will be asked to send money, possibly thousands of pounds, in order to release his or her winnings.

Det Insp Caroline Millar said: "We urge people to be on their guard for letters and scams such as these.

"However official a letter may appear do not get tempted to pass on your details or part with any of your money.

"Any letters offering such large prize amounts can obviously look very attractive but just remember, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

"These scams usually target the elderly and vulnerable people but it's possible anyone could be on the receiving end.

"They may come through the post, over the phone or in an email but they are all there to separate the people from their money."