POLICE are warning people to be wary of email lottery offers after a Portland woman paid out more than £2,000.

The 62-year-old was convinced she was going to receive a million euros.

But almost a fortnight later and £2,227 out of pocket she has yet to receive her winnings.

It was only when relatives intervened that Weymouth police were called in to investigate.

PC Kevin Eames said the woman's experiences should serve as a warning to others to tread carefully.

He said: "The woman has yet to receive her winnings and I think it's unlikely she will get her money back.

"She is understandably embarrassed and upset but she's learnt a lesson.

"She is also keen to highlight what has happened in the hope that others receiving similar emails will be careful."

The email, which claimed to come from the Netherlands, said she had won a million euros in a email lottery draw' organised by Bingo Lottery Promotion.

Following the instructions to verify personal details she sent off copies of her driving licence and birth certificate together with details of where the money was to go.

She then paid £304 via a post office Money Gram to authorise a legal agent to act on her behalf and transfer funds.

This was followed up with a payment of £1,923 to set up a bank account in the Netherlands.

PC Eames said: "The woman was convinced she had won some money because she was sent important-looking certificates and a letter from a court.

"Relatives became suspicious when the woman mentioned her windfall and police were called.

"She has since been in contact with the lottery organisers who have told her everything is coming along nicely except there's a slight hitch which a small amount of money as yet unspecified will no doubt put right.

"We have advised her to break off contact."

PC Eames said people who are suspicious of letters or emails can contact the police or Dorset Trading Standards for advice.

A spokesman for the lottery organisers in the Netherlands told the Echo: "Providing the woman has sent off the right forms she will get her money soon.

"Everything has to be certified by the bank.

"This is the normal practice for non-residents of the Netherlands. We have to go through these procedures."