City of York Council's Trading Standards is warning York residents that they may be   targeted by a fraudulent Spanish lottery scam claiming to offer prizes of thousands of Euros.

The 'winners' are asked to send an initial payment to cover insurance, a further amount to cover tax, and finally five per cent of the total winnings in order to comply with Spanish financial law. The 'winner' is also asked for their bank details so that their winnings can be paid directly into their bank account, but unfortunately, these so- called winnings never arrive.

Elizabeth Levett, the council's Trading Standards manager said: “We know of one resident who has responded to quite a convincing letter and subsequent plausible telephone conversation and has parted with a very substantial sum of money to 'process' his award.

“We would urge residents never to give money or personal details in response to unsolicited mail, prize draws or telephone calls. Generally, if people haven't entered a competition, they won't have won anything.

“Anyone who has concerns about an unexpected windfall which seems too good to be true should contact Customer Direct on 08454 040506. The information will be  passed to the Trading Standards, who then can liaise with their counterparts in other areas.  However while it may be possible to close these fraudulent operators unfortunately it is rare for people to get their money back."