George Harratt was visited at his home on Hague Crescent on Sunday by a woman who said she was selling raffle tickets to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Mr Harratt, 80, who bought a strip of tickets for £1, said: “She was very convincing and even had an identification badge. She said the raffle would be drawn at Hemsworth Miners’ Welfare Club.

“Later my granddaughter got suspicious and we phoned the club, who didn’t know anything about it.

“I think it’s disgusting.”

Beryl Taylor, 69, of Hague Crescent who gave away £2, said: “I know someone with MS so I wanted to offer my support. I almost bought £5 worth.

“She said it was being run by an old people’s home in Kinsley. It’s awful.”

A 33-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the incident.

And police have warned residents to be on their guard after scam letters were circulated in the South Elmsall area.

The letters, claiming to be from a Madrid-based company, say the recipient has won £1m on the Loteria Nacional Spanish Sweepstake Lottery International Promotional Programme.

It asks them to reply with their bank details by September 1.

Hemsworth MP Jon Trickett has been working with Consumer Direct to make sure recipients of such correspondence can report them or check if they are legitimate.

Insp Dave Westwood, from South Kirkby neighbourhood police team, said: “Anyone receiving letters suggesting they have won something on a lottery should not reply.

“No-one should respond to e-mails claiming their bank is undergoing security checks either.”

Anyone who receives a suspicious letter or e-mail should call police on 01924 295413.

For more information, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.