RESIDENTS across Hampshire are being urged to dismiss a letter they receive claiming they have won a prize in an international postcode lottery.

Trading Standards officers are warning people to “exercise caution” if they receive a letter in the post from overseas and is normally signed by a “vice president”.

It will name well known events and organisations such as the FIFA World Cup, Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the National Lottery as supporters.

But this information is fabricated and the sender does not have permission to use the logos and branding. You will be asked to phone a number to claim your prize.

One Hampshire pensioner in her 70s received a letter from an International Postcode Lottery with an address in Brussels.

The letter displayed the official logos of Baku 2015 European Games, Euro Millions and an ISO Quality Assurance certificate number.

The woman, known as Mrs J, was advised she had won £720,000 and was asked to contact a manager to claim her prize.

Mrs J knew she had not entered this draw and she had heard of similar scams and contacted Trading Standards.

Anyone who receives a letter they believe to be suspicious, or are worried about any other potential type of scam, is asked to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit hants.gov.uk/tradingstandards.