Residents across Kent have been reporting a “postcode lottery” scam, but KCC Trading Standards says it is pleased that no-one has parted with any money – as far as they know.

The scam consists of a letter headed “FIFA Euromillions International Postcode Lottery”, telling recipients they have won £700,000 after a computer allegedly chose them from 80 million individuals worldwide.

It appears to be posted from Switzerland and invites “winners” to call a phone number which has an 0161 (Manchester) code to arrange the pay-out.

However, KCC Trading Standards manager Richard Strawson said there is not the remotest chance that calling the number will result in money being received.

He said: “This is an obvious scam which has been running for the last few years. The number of reports is not great, but they are widespread.

“The number of calls we receive is not great, usually just one or two in each town, but the scam is widespread and we want to warn the Kent public about it.

“It may seem obvious, but you cannot win a lottery that you haven’t entered. Genuine lottery companies will pay the money to the confirmed winners without asking for anything in return.

!With this particular scam, the operators ask for a processing free and for the winners’ bank details so they can allegedly send the payment.

If you have received a letter similar to this report it online at www.kent.gov.uk/tradingstandards or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506.