People are being targeted in a suspected inheritance scam, Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership have warned.

A spokesman said the letter claimed to be from an investment manager in China called Gua Lang, who claims to have access to $21m from a deceased investor with no known relatives.

Mr Lang goes on to tell recipients they share the same name as the investor and can become a beneficiary if they assist him.

Surrey Trading Standards had been informed of the letter and has been passed to the Economic Crime Unit of Surrey Police.

Community Safety Partnership manager Peter Kipps asked residents to be on the lookout.

He said: “While they [the scammer] initially only ask you to contact them to discuss matters it opens the door for them to pick up personal information about you so they can access your bank details or use the information to secure loans or credit in your name.”

For further information call 01372 474399 or email communitysafety@elmbridge.gov.uk.