A WARNING has been issued to people who receive letters offering them cash prizes.

A Worcestershire Trading Standards spokesman said letters notifying people of their "awards" were often fraudulent and should be discarded immediately.

She said: "Any letter requesting bank details is almost certainly a scam and should be put straight in the bin."

She added trading standards officers would be happy to offer advice to anyone who was unsure about letters offering cash prizes.

Maud Latarche, of Tillington Close, Winyates East, said she received a letter from International Lotto Commission stating she had won more than £600,000 and was instructed to note her bank details in an attached form.

She said: "I realised the letter was fake but it concerns me to think there are vulnerable people out there, like pensioners, who may offer their bank details without thinking."

Advice is available from Worcestershire Trading Standards on 01905 763763.