TRADING standards officers are warning people to ignore a get rich scam from Las Vegas.
Mail shots for a prize draw have been sent from the US gambling capital to homes in the county.
The letters urge people to apply for cash in excess of £881,130, but says they must fill in a claim form and send £15 and a further £2 to process their claim quickly.
Head of consumer services for Durham County Council, Phillip Holman, urged people to throw the letters in the bin.
"This type of mail shot appears regularly throughout the county. It appears to offer instant riches but it is more likely the organisers are cashing in by collecting the application money," he said.
"Consumers need to be aware that they are more at risk when this type of operation originates from outside the United Kingdom."
Mr Holman said his officers were unaware of anyone who has received the money promised.
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