POLICE are warning people in West Devon to be aware of bogus letters in the post.

The latest cases reported involve letters purporting to be from a Spanish firm of solicitors — the firm actually exists but has nothing to do with the scam.

The letter says a very wealthy person has died with no next of kin and the deceased had the same surname as you and the solicitor would like to declare you as the next of kin and split the millions with you.

If the receiver of the letter responds, they will be bombarded with requests for 'fees' and asked for details of their bank account, which will then be emptied.

Sgt Dave Anning at Tavistock Police Station said: 'Please bear in mind that it is not only the greedy who get taken in by this.

'Older or vulnerable people receiving what appears to be a solicitor's letter often feel obliged to reply and it is exactly these vulnerable people who get taken in.

'If you have elderly or vulnerable relatives or friends please mention this and other letters to them so they don't get caught out.

'Sadly these scams do work — despite the famous Nigerian and South African scam letters being ten years or more old now, we still get to hear of new cases.'