THE public is being warned to be on its guard after a woman received a scam letter telling her she had won a Spanish lottery. Heather Alexandra, 61, of Saltney received the mail posted from Spain stating she had won 815,810.00 Euros in the Loteria Nacional and she needed to produce her bank details to receive the money. The photocopied letter, sent from Malaga, requested she send a copy of identification along with her bank and next of kin details. The letter, which was written in poorly worded English, also requested she “keep the award top secret from public notice to avoid terrorist attacks”. Mrs Alexandra said: “It was obviously a scam. I don’t know where they got my name or address from, I’ve never even bought a ticket. “I hope no-body else who received one of these letters replied. The form they want you to fill in gives them absolutely everything they need to steal your identity, they even ask for the name, addresses, occupation and place of birth of your parents. “I was definitely suspicious when I opened it. The letter is a photocopy but has the word original stamped across the front and it’s obvious a person whose first language isn’t English wrote it due to all the grammatical mistakes. “You would think if they could afford to give away millions of pounds, they could afford to employ a proper English speaker.” The letter claims to be from Crystal Line Security Networks, based in Madrid, yet when the Chronicle tried to contact the company we found it doesn’t exist. Crystal Line is also listed among hundred of others on the internet as known scam artists. Community safety officer PC Hazel Goss said: “Some Flintshire residents have been receiving letters or e-mails saying they have won thousands of pounds. People should not reply. They are scams. “If you have any further information regarding this type of scam please contact the police.” Ron Hughes, head of Flinthsire Trading Standards said: “If you receive something which seems too good to be true, then it probably is. “Luckily we haven’t had that many reports of people who have lost money but if you think you’ve had your details stolen then contact the police.” | 
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