Wiltshire Police fraud squad is warning people to beware of a bogus Canadian lottery company promising riches.

A police spokesman said the telemarketing scam apparently originated in Canada.

A caller rings up to inform the individual they are a winner in a foreign lottery, due to receive a substantial amount of money.

The caller then proceeds to explain about an award ceremony in the UK and the media exposure.

Then the catch the supposed winner is requested to send one per cent of their prize using a wire transfer facility to the bogus lottery company.

Then they never hear from them again.

"People should be aware that if they have never bought a lottery ticket they cannot win a prize," said a police spokesman. "Do remember if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."