Security experts are warning of a new email scam based on the TV show Who wants to be a millionaire?

The email contains the news that the recipient has won £800,000 in a lottery organised by the show and awarded to a member of the public.

It tells readers to contact a yahoo.co.uk email address, and also lists two UK 070 personal phone numbers for people who wish to make contact via telephone or fax.

"This scam has nothing to do with the real makers of the hit TV show, but has been designed by criminals to prey on the vulnerable," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

"It is time that the British authorities took steps against the widespread use of 070 telephone numbers by email lottery scammers.

"Criminals are scooping up these free 070 personal phone numbers, redirecting them overseas, and using them to con the British public out of their money and confidential information."

The case highlights the growing use of 070 numbers that can be set for very high call charges and set up by virtually anyone.