RACING enthusiasts were today warned of a betting scam that has already claimed several unsuspecting victims in North Yorkshire.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Ross, head of the fraud squad, said people with an interest in racing and especially betting were receiving letters from organisations with authentic-sounding names like Cheltenham Manor Stud or Classic Racing.

"The writer says he is a professional gambler who is so successful he is banned from placing bets so he is looking for agents to put money on for him," said DS Ross.

DS Ross said one such scam involved a man by the name of Aidan Conor using a Harrogate address that turned out to be a hotel. Others used addresses in Scarborough and York.

"I urge racing enthusiasts to be on their guard and to call us immediately if they are contacted by anyone they suspect might be involved in this swindle," he said.

The fraud squad can be contacted on 01609 783131.