Cumbria Police say they have received a series of complaints about the problem and are urging people not to pass on their bank details.

They say a bogus Canadian lottery is still the biggest problem, along with scams from west Africa which encourage people to pass on their bank details.

They say a new method has emerged recently after a man in west Cumbria received a hand-written letter claiming to be from a 16-year-old orphan in Uganda.

The letter, which appeared to be on school stationery, said she desperately needed £240 for tuition fees.

The man sent a cheque and later in the week his bank received a wire transfer request for £3,800 giving the name and account number.

It was brought to his attention before the money was taken from his account.

Police are warning people not to give out their bank details to anyone they have doubts about.

They say that includes sending cheques, particularly in response to letters from west and east Africa.