Croydon's department of Trading Standards is warning residents to be on the lookout for emails claiming to be from the organisers of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The scam e-mail has an attachment which at first glance appears to be a scanned letter from the Games' organisers.

The letter states the recipient has been selected at random as the winner of a large cash prize.

People are asked to send their personal details to an 'agent' who will administer their so-called claim.

The letter features the Olympic Games logo in an attempt to look convincing, but tries to persuade the recipient to act quickly and to keep their actions secret.

Councillor Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Anyone who responds to an e-mail like this is likely to be added to a list by the scammers- making them likely to receive even more attempts to get their money.

"Never give out any personal details unless you are absolutely certain the person you are dealing with is genuine."

Residents who receive emails or letters they feel are suspicious should forward them to: email@actionfraud.org.uk, the Government sponsored fraud reporting website.