The daughter of an 80-year-old man is keen to warn others that a scam which conned people out of tens of thousands of pounds earlier this year is back.

The Stevenage pensioner, who asked to remain anonymous, received an official-looking letter last week claiming he had won £725,000 in the Euromillions FIFA World Cup Super Lottery.

The letter went on to say that in order to claim the cash prize he would have to telephone the number on the letter.

But anyone who does so is then told that they have to pay a processing fee of one per cent of their unexpected jackpot – and provide their bank details.

People who have fallen foul to the scam soon discover, after parting with their cash, that there is no prize money.

Back in April, similar letters were received by people all over the country, and some fell for the ruse and found themselves conned out of tens of thousands of pounds.

The man’s daughter said: “My dad just wants people to be aware that pensioners are receiving these letters, which seem quite official.

“He’s 80, but he’s savvy enough to know it’s a scam.

“The first thing he did was Google it, but 90 per cent of his friends who are 80 wouldn’t have a clue.

“He’s really eager that people are made aware of it happening so they don’t get taken in by it.”

Watchdogs have urged caution if anyone receives a similar letter. Roy Wilsher, who is director of community protection at Herts County Council, said: “These letters are a scam.

“You cannot win a prize in a lottery that you have not entered and genuine lottery operators will not ask you to send them money before releasing winnings.

“I would urge anyone receiving one of these letters to simply bin it.”

If you have responded to this scam or if scam mail is causing you or someone you know distress, report it to Hertfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.

There is more information on recognising and avoiding scams at www.hertsdirect.org/scams.