EAGLE-eyed bank staff stopped an 85-year-old woman from sending £4,000 to Spanish fraudsters.
The victim, who lives in the Colne Valley, had received a letter from Madrid stating she had won the Spanish Sweep Stake Lottery.
But she was told she had to send cash first to release the money.
She sent £850, but the greedy fraudsters then demanded a further £4,000.
When she went to her bank to transfer the money, bank staff became suspicious.
The victim also spoke to police who persuaded her not to send any more money and are now investigating.
Tim O’Sullivan from Kirklees intelligence unit said: “The letter told the victim she had won the Spanish Sweepstake Lottery, although she had never entered it. The name of the man on the letter was Edwin Fred.
“The bottom line is if you haven’t entered anything, you won’t win anything. Never send money or give your bank details to anyone who contacts you by phone or letter in this way.
“We can only hope others haven’t fallen victim.’’
