This in from the Police, in their own words. Ed
Police are warning people on the Isle of Wight about a financial scam.
Several elderly residents on the island have reported receiving a letter from someone claiming to be a Chinese private investment manager.
The letter tells the intended victim that they have the same surname as a wealthy person who died after a hiking accident in China.
Share of deceased fortune not true
The sender claims that he is entitled to a share of the deceased’s fortune, which is estimated at more than 20 million US dollars.
He offers to share the fortune with the intended victim in return for using their surname and a payment to help gain access to the money.
Police would like to thank members of the public who have contacted officers and provided copies of the letter. Thankfully, no one has reported losing money in this scam on the island so far.
Our advice to the public is do not respond to the letter and do not send any money or release bank details if requested.
Anyone with information can contact police by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Image: Andrew Rennie under CC BY 2.0
