Scam mail warning

He recognised it as a scam immediately but fears others might be taken in by the request for personal details and promise of huge financial reward.

The letter claims to be from David Matabo from Zimbabwe whose family fled from home and wants to bring six million in US dollars to Britain for "safe-keeping, banking and investment because of economic instability in Africa".

It stated: "We decided to contact overseas individual that will assist us to move this money out of South Africa, because we are asylum seekers here...which disqualified us from operating an account or getting involved in any financial transaction here in South Africa. We have agreed to give you from the total 20% for help8ing us to move this money to your country while 80% will be for my family to invest in your country."

The letter however was sent in Britain and came via second class post to Mr Short's home in The Gorseway. He has informed Sussex Police.

Mr Short commented: "These letters are incredible really '“ absolutely amazing. I just laughed when I received it, just before Christmas, but I am just thinking of elderly people who might fall for this. Somebody might benefit from knowing about this and not get caught by it. It is incredible, but I can think of people who might believe it, which would be dreadful."