I think they're genuine. I received a letter today and checked this thread before responding. When I called FTB, they told me that a London council, for which I worked in the 1980's, was trying to trace me, as my last known address was in Europe, where I lived in the 1990's. Having confirmed my current address, I rang the council's Pensions Dept, and discovered that I am to receive a lump sum of £5,000 at the end of next year when I turn 60, and a pension worth about £1,000 a year. I'm glad I made that phone call!