CINDERFORD resident Christine James contacted the Review earlier this week to draw attention to a postal scam.

Supposedly from the International FIFA World Cup Online Lottery, the letter suggested that she could have won £725,000 in a computer ballot and just needed to ring a London number to claim her prize.

Christine said: “It all looks very official, but I was suspicious when it said my ticket was attached and that the information must be ‘kept away from the public’ to avoid abuse by ‘criminal minded and unauthorised persons’. I want to urge other people not to be fooled by this letter as it’s very convincing.”

Police have confirmed that this is a scam, saying: “If you make contact with the fraudsters you will be asked to part with money as an upfront payment, or to forward money to them but the prize does not exist. 

“The letter also asks you to inform your ‘claims agent’ of any changes in your personal information or address as soon as possible. Your personal information is commonly used to commit identity fraud.

“FIFA has confirmed that any such correspondence has no connection with or authorisation from them.”

Christine has taken the letter to the police, who told her that it is third they have received this week.