Police today condemned "appalling" hoax letters trying to trick elderly people out of cash.
Clacton police have received five reports from elderly people in the area who have received the disturbing letters, which claim to be from clairvoyants and demand money.
The letters state that if they do not return £20, they are in for bad luck and that "danger is imminent".
Calvin Heal, crime reduction officer for the district, has made an urgent plea to people to ignore the letters and throw them straight in the bin.
He said one 84-year-old woman, of Frinton, was among those who had been left distressed by the letter and contacted police.
Mr Heal said: "It's just appalling. People should just ignore these letters. No harm will come to them if they ignore it and don't send the £20 it asks for.
"All it will do is encourage more letters like this they will just keep sending more and more demands for money."
The letter sent to the Frinton woman, which is similar to letters sent to elderly people in Walton, Clacton and St Osyth, says the recipient can win money by replying quickly with £20.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Friday, December 17, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article