Kia Motors has issued a warning that an e-mail scam is fraudulently using its brand identity.

E-mail recipients are being advised that they have won a major prize in an e-mail lottery and are invited to provide various personal details including bank details.

The contact details include the name The Kia Company and e-mail and telephone numbers in the UK.

"We have never run and e-mail lottery, we are not running an e-mail lottery and we are unlikely ever to run an e-mail lottery," said Stephen Kitson, Kia communications director.

"This is a despicable scam being carried out on unwitting members of the public by thieves, pure and simple.

"It is clear from the language used in the e-mails that although the contact details suggest they are based in the UK that may not be the case.

"We are currently working with various authorities to try and trace these people and to stop this scam, but members of the public receiving these e-mails should be aware of this practice and should not provide any personal details under any circumstances."