An inheritance scam is targeting residents by asking for their bank details.

Havering Council is alerting residents to beware of a letter from a fake “investment manager” that is doing the rounds in the borough.

It assumes the partner of the recipient has passed away and had invested in a company in China, with the money set to be seized by the government unless it is claimed.

The letter then asks for details and encourages the person to keep quiet about the matter in case inheritance “falls into the wrong hands”.

Other foreign countries could be used in similar scams.

The council say the letter is a scam and anyone who receives it should get rid of it and not communicate with the sender.

Cllr Osman Dervish, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “This letter is simply a scam and while we cannot always stop them from being delivered, we can help our residents identify them so that they don’t fall victim to this despicable crime.”

Anyone who does receive the letter and wants to report it can do so atactionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

Residents are encouraged to pass this information on to their friends and relatives.

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