Trading standards officials have issued a new warning about alottery con that has left one woman pounds60,000 out of pocket.
Bath and North East Somerset Council says people have been takenin by a letter telling them they have won a Spanish lottery - butasking for money to be sent to free up the cash.
It is headed International Lotto Commission, and uses the name ofa lottery that exists as a cover.
The authority says it is a cruel attempt to persuade people tohand over money and bank details.
Council principal trading standards officer Roger Pope said: "Ifyou receive this letter, please throw it away, and warn your friendsand family. It looks official, but its promises are valueless."
As reported in the Chronicle in June, one local woman sentpounds60,000 to the scamsters before realising she had been conned.
The council is concerned that other people may be tempted to handmoney over after being told they have won prizes.
It says the warning signs are:
a scam will ask for money up front to get the prize - they call itan administration charge or something similar
being asked for your bank details
being asked to buy something
being told you have won a prize in a competition, lottery or drawthat you didn't enter.
Cllr Charles Gerrish, the council's cabinet member for customerservices, planning, transport and highways, and a former bankmanager, said: "I know from my own professional experience how manypeople can be taken in by these sorts of scams and how much misery isthe end result.
"I welcome the fact that B&NES Council is sending out a strongwarning to all residents to watch out for, and ignore, these scams."
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