Fraudsters are using the Postcode Lottery to scam victims into thinking they have won six-figure payouts.

Eastern Daily Press: Scam letter. Picture: David BaleScam letter. Picture: David Bale (Image: Archant)

An OAP in Upper Sheringham received a letter congratulating him on a £375,000 win but he was asked to pay five per cent commission.

The 80-year-old man was not fooled and sent the scam letter to his daughter Jo Rennie, who works for British Transport Police at Norwich train station.

She has reported the scam to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre.

However, other victims have been duped into revealing their bank details after receiving a letter claiming they are major winners.

The management of the London-based lotto competition is aware of the fraud and police are investigating.

Ms Rennie said: 'I've looked online and there are a number of reports of this particular scam in Birmingham, Walsall & Hampshire.

'I'd just like to make sure people are aware of this so they do not get scammed.

'As you can see from the letter the heading is a copy of the legitimate People's postcode logo.

The letter advises so-called winners to call a number to claim their prize.

The EDP rang that number, firstly saying we were a newspaper investigating a possible scam, and then later, as a claimant. On the first occasion the scammer, who had a foreign accent, told us he had nothing to do with it, and did not know why his name and number were on the letter.

But when we called back 40 minutes later pretending to be a claimant, he asked for bank details or said he could send a cheque.

The letter states that the claims company will be paid five per cent of the award price as commission, after receipt of the money.

Rachel Ruxton, head of communications at People's Postcode Lottery, said: 'We are aware that sometimes illegitimate individuals and organisations will attempt to use our lottery's brand to gain access to information or details supplied by unsuspecting members of the public.

'People's Postcode Lottery takes such matters very seriously. If you receive one of these letters, phone calls, SMS messages or emails, then we strongly advise the public to treat these communications as scams and they should be ignored.

'Legitimate lotteries, such as People's Postcode Lottery, will not under any circumstances request a payment in order to receive your 'winnings'. If you are at all suspicious, then contact our customer service team on 0808 1098 765.'