HALTON Trading Standards is warning residents to be wary of a scam after a woman was told by overseas company that she had won £20,000.

She was told she had to place an order with the company to receive her prize.

A spokesman for Halton Trading Standards said: “You should never respond to such contacts as if you haven’t entered a competition it’s very likely to be a scam.

“To claim your prize you are likely to have to buy something, pay for postage or an administration fee, or call a premium rate number that will cost pounds.

“Should you receive a text message or automated voicemail informing you that a ‘prize’ is waiting for you just delete or ignore it, it really isn'worth your time, effort or cash to respond.”

If you think you’ve received a scam text you can forward it to Phonepayplus on 020 7407 3430, call 0800 500 212 or go to phonepayplus.org.uk to report it.

To stop unaddressed mail and leaflets, such as correspondence addressed to the householder or occupier, delivered by Royal Mail, you can register with the free opt-out service Door-to-Door Opt-Out.

To stop unwanted telephone sales calls you can register free with the Telephone Preference Service.