A SCAM letter has been sent to York businesses claiming to be worth over 3.5 million dollars to those who respond.

The letter, claiming to be from the South African Department of Minerals and Energy, was actually sent from Ireland. Those who reply hoping to make a quick buck are likely to find their bank accounts cleared out.

When Howard Rose, senior consultant for Rose Associates, Earswick Village, York, received the letter he immediately realised it was designed to con businesses out of their money, but wanted to warn others who might be tempted to get involved.

He said: "I think people need to be aware that this is happening and not be taken in by it. Everyone wants something for nothing but this is a clear scam letter."

Mr Rose added: "This is the first one I have ever received and I was incredibly amused by it. But there is a serious element to it, there will be people who will think this is genuine."

Detective Constable Angela Hullah, of the North Yorkshire Police Fraud Squad, warned: "The country is being inundated with letters, faxes and emails of a similar nature. Unfortunately because they are from abroad it is outside UK police jurisdiction."

She added: "People receiving these letters should not act on them in any way. However, if they have parted already with any money or divulged any details of their bank account, they should contact their local police station."

City of York Council's trading standards manager, Elizabeth Levett, said: "These scams change countries, but none of them have ever proved genuine. Never ever give your bank account details to anyone. If you lose your money you will never get it back."

Updated: 11:58 Monday, February 18, 2002