ELDERLY and vulnerable people in the New Forest area are being warned of a new scam to relieve them of their cash.

According to police, several pensioners in the north of the district have already been victims of the cruel trick, which involves fake letters purporting to contain money.

PC Keith Mitchell, spokesman for New Milton police, said: "The elderly person receives the letter in the post with the correct address but the wrong name. They then open and redirect the letter, saying 'not known at this address'.

"But a few days later they are visited by people who say the letter they redirected had cash in it which is missing.

"The elderly person is made to feel they owe the money, so they pay up. Then a few days later, they get another visit and another demand for cash.

"If you do notice a strange letter, hand it in to your nearest post office and let them sort it out."

PC Mitchell also advised elderly people to install a door chain, and not to admit strangers unless they show some identification.

Audrey Howe, former Blackfield and Langley district councillor and chairman of Hampshire Age Concern, said: "It is reprehensible, these people who prey on the elderly.

"Pensioners are pushed enough for finance as it is. Elderly people have been brought up to be honest. This scam is trading on their good nature. I found a £10 note the other day and handed it in at a shop. I could easily have kept it, but in my day we were taught not to keep what doesn't belong to us.

"It is so sad older people can't be trusting any more. You have to be wary of everyone."