POLICE are warning about the dangers of lottery scam letters after an 88-year-old man lost £5,000.

Officers in Chester-le-Street have received a number of calls over the last two weeks relating to letters from the International Online Postcode Lottery and Euromillions Fifa World Cup Super Lottery.

Acting Sergeant Paul Gooden, of Durham Constabulary, said the letters look professional and are addressed to specific people, which can make them more believable.

He said: “If it looks too good to be true, then it is. You don’t get anything for free these days.

“The letters have logos and look quite official but anything asking for money upfront before your winnings are put in your bank account is a scam.”

Anyone who receives one of these letters should contact Durham Police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300-1232040.