RESIDENTS in North Essex are being warned of a circulation of scam letters.

A woman from Manningtree received a letter through the post, addressed from Hong Kong, which stated that the addressee was believed to be an ancestor from a deceased client who had invested large amounts of money.

Essex Police state that this scam may be circulating in the surrounding area, especially at this time of year. They advise not to reply, especially if the letter is asking for personal details.

Essex County Council Trading Standards state that reputable companies will not ask for personal or financial information and advise anyone to contact the company direct if you think a letter you receive may be genuine or otherwise ignore the sender.

Councillor Roger Walters, cabinet member for Trading Standards, said that “if you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of fraud please report it to Action Fraud so that the incident can be passed on to the police.”