POLICE are warning Hampshire householders to beware of a new World Cup-themed lotto scam that could cost them thousands of pounds.

Families across the country have received letters claiming they have won as much as £900,000 on what the fraudsters describe as the International FIFA World Cup Online Lottery.

But the recipients are told they will have to pay a "processing fee" before they can claim their prize.

In some cases people falling foul of the scam have parted with thousands of pounds before finding out they have not won a penny.

FIFA have confirmed that the letters have no connection with the organisation and are not related to the 2018 or 2022 World Cup tournaments.

Now police have issued a nationwide alert amid fears that people living in Hampshire and other counties could fall victim to the conmen.

It follows a similar case four years ago in which a Southampton woman lost almost £50,000.

The 51-year-old mother repeatedly handed over thousands of pounds to the conmen after being duped into thinking she had won £1.5 million.