TRADING Standards is advising both businesses and individuals to ignore any email they may receive asking for their bank account details to enable the transfer millions of dollars.

The warning follows an email sent to John Thomas, of Routs Green Farm, Bledlow Ridge, from a man who described himself as a civil adviser currently working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The email, dated July 24 and entitled Urgent Business Proposal: 'I and my close and trusted colleagues need your assistance in the transfer of US$45.5 million into any reliable account you may nominate overseas.

This fund was generated from over-invoicing of contracts executed by the NNPC under our control and supervision.

'What we want from you is a good and reliable company or personal account into which we shall transfer the fund.'

The email continues by asking for Mr Thomas' bank details promising a share of the total transfer.

David Collinson, principal trading standards officer at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: 'This email is the identical modus operandi to letters people used to receive. This is the first time I have heard of the email being used.'

He said at the time the letters were rife, the UK Government made representations to the Nigerian Government, who put advertisements in the national press warning people to take no notice of the letters.

He added: 'Be extremely cautious and careful about giving your bank details to anyone, especially if that person is not known to you.'