FRAUDSTERS are targeting people in the Weymouth area as part of a nationwide scam.

Residents have received letters inviting them to share in millions said to be lying unclaimed in a Hong Kong bank account.

The letters, claiming to be from a Hong Kong-based finance company, offers half of a $10.5m investment left untouched after the death in mainland China of an American man.

Pamela Stradling, of Southill Weymouth, said her elderly mother received one of the letters and wants to warn others against the scam.

She said: “My mother is 91 years old and she got a letter last week.

“The print was too small for her to read so she gave it to me to look at.

“As soon as I saw the sender address I was suspicious and in the first couple of paragraphs I realised it was a scam.

“But there’s always a chance someone might think it was true.”

Mrs Stradling added: “I want to warn people to be on their guard.”

There have been reports of this letter across the country. Police are advising people not to respond to it. If concerned, call Dorset Police on 101.