EXMOUTH CID is warning pensioners to be on their guard against scams claiming people have won large cash prizes.
EXMOUTH CID is warning pensioners to be on their guard against scams claiming people have won large cash prizes.
The message comes after officers this week revealed how an 82-year-old Exmouth man was conned into handing over �1,900 after receiving a scam letter claiming he had won �195,000.
The police said fraudsters usually asked 'winners' to send payment in return for their prize.
Another tact used was to receive a cheque for a smaller amount, which bounced when paid into the pensioner's bank account, but allowed fraudsters access to bank details and resulted in a total clear out of the account.
Civilian investigator Jim Eastment said the letters were usually sent from Spain or Canada.
He urged families to check their elderly relatives were not being targeted by the fraudsters.
Mr Eastment said: "They seem to contact people by letter telling them they have won large sums of money.
"I would ask people to check their relatives aren't sending any money abroad, or paying any money out.
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