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A mystery lottery winner who caused speculation in the resort is the victim of an international scam.

Last week (October 2008) reports in other local media claimed a Banks resident had scooped a major National Lottery jackpot, but the pensioner was actually targeted by a Spanish organisation demanding money to release the cash prize.

The woman, who cannot be named, had previously handed over £100 to the Madrid-based International Lotto Commission to pay for her set of lucky numbers to be regularly entered into a draw.

The resident received a letter earlier this month stating: "You have therefore been approved a lump sum payment of GBP. £985,820.00 in cash. This is from a total cash prize of GBP. £16,758,940.00 shared among the seventeen international winners in this category. Congratulations!!!"

A relative of the "winner" called a telephone number printed on the letter to check whether the prize was genuine. He told Champnews.com: "They said she has won and the money is secured in a bank account in Madrid. They wanted her to transfer £800 into the account to release it."

The award notification letter was accompanied by a payment processing form, requesting details so that she could be paid the prize money.

The form had space to fill in a name, address, occupation and telephone number, as well as the name and address of a next of kin.

The organisation also asked for bank details including a bank name, account number, an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and a bank address.

There is also a declaration at the bottom of the letter to be signed by the recipient.

Any residents in the area who fear they have been targeted by the scam should contact West Lancashire District Council on 01695 577177 and report the matter to Trading Standards.

By Natasha Young