LOCAL people and businesses are being warned not to hand over their money and fall victim to a postcode lottery-style scam.

An increasing number of people have notified Wiltshire Council of receiving a letter seemingly from a postcode lottery company claiming that they have been successful in winning thousands of pounds in prize money.

The fake company then requests that a ‘processing fee’ needs to be paid before any winnings are handed out.

Residents should not reply to these types of letters as they are invariably a scam.

Keith Humphries, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public protection, said: “What seems like an obvious scam to one person may seem legitimate to someone else, so we’re asking that people should be on their guard and report anything they think is suspicious.

“Falling victim to one of these is a horrible experience but if we work together we can prevent it from happening.”

If anyone has any suspicions they should contact ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk