Police have issued a warning to residents after a recent postal scam was reported in the north-east.
A number of residents across Aberdeenshire have received letters purporting to be from the FIFA Euromillions International Postcode Lottery.
The recipients are informed they have won a large amount of money and should phone a number on the letter, quoting a reference number.
They then speak to an individual who asks them to confirm their bank details so that the money can be transferred, but money is actually taken out of their account.
The long-running scam is known to have been active throughout the UK with reports of it from Highland residents.
In April last year the scam was reported in Essex.
Constable Kev Marron, from the crime reduction unit, said: “We are grateful to the people in our communities who have brought this latest scam to our attention. It is great to see that more and more people are realising if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
“These types of scams often target the most vulnerable people in our communities and the despicable criminals simply do not care.
“I would urge people to simply ignore these letters and throw them away. Above all, do not contact these people and certainly never give your personal or financial details over the telephone to anyone.”
Anyone who has any concerns, or needs advice, should call 101 and ask to speak tot heir local crime reduction officer.