A Canadian company allegedly offering prizes of thousands of pounds is simply trying to con money from Wandsworth residents, according to a local councillor.

The fraudsters, calling themselves the International Claims Department, sent a letter to a Clapham Junction resident saying he had won several thousand pounds.

But to obtain his "winnings", the letter asked him to send a cheque for £15 or his credit card details to a PO Box address in Vancouver.

The scam is part of a huge fraud in Canada in which up to six companies have apparently offered prizes in return for a small cash sum.

More than 500 complaints from British residents are currently being investigated by the Canadian Office of Fair Trade.

Wandsworth trading standards officers have also received similar complaints from borough residents.

Councillor Paul Ellis said: "The Canadian authorities are getting wise to it, so they are moving their attention to the UK.

"The only people who make any money are the con artists. No one has ever won anything and everyone has lost their money.

"My advice to anyone receiving this type of letter is to put it where it belongs - in the bin."

July 8, 2002 10:00