TRADING Standards chiefs in Trafford are urging people to be wary of letters claiming to be for 'prize winners'.

The warning comes after several residents got in touch saying that a congratulatory notice had dropped through their letter box.

The letter states that there are many prizes to be won including a 'Brand New 7 Series BMW' along with smaller gifts.

It asks the recipient to call a dedicated 24-hour claim line and quote a reference number to get their winnings.

But Joe Mann from the trading standards department is warning people to be wary of the Dutch company's letter.

He told SUM: "We have had large numbers of reports about this letter, which seems to be doing the rounds throughout the borough.

"Although it is not illegal, people can get stung if they do not read the small print carefully which could mean spending £1 a minute for approximately nine minutes on the phone - just to see what they may have won."

He added: "The best advice is for people is to just view the letter as any other piece of junk mail and throw it away.

"When something seems too good to be true, it usually works out that way."

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