Fraudsters target 10,000 names with non-existent shares scam

Police issued an alert today to 10,000 people whose details are on a "master list" being used by fraudsters.

The names, addresses and phone numbers, are being circulated among conmen. Most of those at risk are believed to live in London and the South-East.

City of London Police and the Financial Services Authority announced they were writing to 6,500 households warning residents to beware of "cold calls" from people purporting to sell shares.

A City police spokeswoman said: "People may be offered shares with the possibility of amazing returns but they will find that these companies either do not exist or are no more than a redundant tin mine in Mexico."

Anyone who believes they have been targeted should call 0845 602 2185.