AN ELDERLY couple conned out of their savings by a phone crook today warned pensioners across East Lancashire: "Don't lose out like we did."

The victims, who asked not to be named, lost £1,000 after thieves told them they had won a fortune on the Spanish lottery. And their warning was backed up by Trading Standards chiefs, who said a range of cons were in operation across East Lancashire and advised people not to get involved in anything promising a quick buck.

So far the couple's case is one of two in which people have fallen for the con operating across the country -- the second is believed to be in London -- and police nationwide are hunting for the culprits.

The couple, from Burnley, were cold-called last month by a man believed to operate from London who told them they had won £500,000 on the lottery. But they were told that in order to claim the prize they would need to wire £500 plus £36 to cover costs.

The couple, both aged 78, wired the money from their savings only to get a second call two days later saying another £500 was required.

They sent off the cash but heard nothing more until last week when another call, this time from a woman, said they had in fact won £1.4million, but would have to pay £20,000 up front to get the money.

Alarm bells, however, began to ring and the couple contacted the police, who have now launched a hunt for the gang.

The pensioner said: "It is absolutely disgusting what these people have done to us. We don't have very much money and to lose it like this is terrible. People need to be aware of what is going on so they don't fall prey to these conmen like we have."

She added: "I wasn't sure about the call right from the start but he just sounded so plausible. I wish I hadn't listened to him now."

DC Greg McKenna, from Burnley CID, said: "These alleged crimes are absolutely appalling and we are currently working with colleagues in other police forces to catch the people responsible."

He said the offenders appeared to be calling people at random out of the phone book and warned residents in the area to be on their guard.

DC McKenna said: "If someone rings you up out of the blue with news of a significant cash windfall from the Spanish, Australian or any other lottery, then please be very wary.

"Think whether you have actually entered the relevant lottery and if you have any suspicions then please contact the police.

"Certainly, never send any money off to anyone unless you are 100 per cent sure of their motives.

"These people may promise huge cash prizes, but in truth they themselves are the only winners."

Jim Potts, Lancashire's chief trading standards officer, said: "If something appears to be too good to be true then it probably is."

Anyone who thinks they may have fallen prey to a deception should contact Burnley CID on 425001 or Lancashire Trading Standards on 0845 6001352.