A GANG of African fraudsters could be targeting Hampshire residents with a cash scam.

Detectives have issued a red alert after a woman fell victim to the trick when she was approached in the street.

The woman was stopped by four men, one of whom she vaguely knew, who asked her if she could cash a cheque as he didn't have a bank account in the country.

He offered her a generous sum in return.

The woman agreed and when the money immediately showed up on her account she withdrew it and gave it to the man, who is possibly Nigerian or Zimbabwean.

However, it later emerged she had been duped out of thousands of pounds because the bank had refused to clear the cheque.

Now detectives are warning that the gang could strike again and are asking people to stay alert.

Eastleigh-based Det Sgt Darren Rawlings said: "This is a common ploy that has been used locally and nationally in the past and the offenders tend to target an area before moving on elsewhere.

"Following this incident we believe this area may be their current target and we need to warn members of the public living or working in Hampshire."

He added: "These men sound very convincing and their offer to make some easy money can appear very attractive. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is so important to refuse the offer and contact us immediately on 0845 045 4545."

Although the Eastleigh victim vaguely knew one of the four men, police say it is not uncommon for potential targets to have no previous links with the fraudsters, who may even contact people by post.

Police are "strongly advising" people not to let anyone use their bank account for any reason - whether the request comes from someone they know or not.

Have you been a victim of a cash scam? Call our Eastleigh office on 023 8061 4271 or e-mail newsdesk@soton-echo.co.uk.