ELDERLY people are being urged to be on their guard against bogus lottery schemes.

Age Concern Yorkshire fears they could be left out of pocket by falling for Christmas scams.

Jeff Morris, head of Age Concern's weekly lottery, said: "80% of victims of lottery and competition frauds are over 65."

Last December the Office of Fair Trading received complaints about a total of £227,599 being lost to bogus lotteries and prize draws.

Age Concern advises:

* Never send money to receive your prize.

* Check it is the real thing by calling the Gaming Board for Great Britain on 020 7306 6200.

* Play a lottery with a name you know and trust.

* Play in the UK only, as fraudsters often set up in foreign countries so their scam cannot easily be traced.

* Don't accept prizes from competitions you did not enter.

Age Concern has its own lottery and all proceeds go to the charity. It guarantees 250 winners every week, with £2,000 for first place, £250 for second, £150 for third, and £100 for fourth. To enter visit www.age concern.org.uk/weeklylottery or call 01628 822223.