Security experts are warning of a phishing scam claiming to be a lottery run by Liverpool Football Club.

The emails were spammed out over the weekend informing recipients that they have won £500,000 in a special lottery organised by the club to celebrate having £20m left over at the end of the season.

"This email scam campaign is using the name of one of the world's greatest football clubs in an attempt to steal people's money and identities," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

"Everyone should be suspicious if they are unexpectedly told that they have won a fortune. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

In order to claim their prize users have to give their name, address and bank details and are told to expect a cheque forthwith. It is not known how many people have fallen for the scam.

This is the second football related scam in two months; the previous one also used the lottery disguise and claimed to come from FIFA.