BUSINESSES in Worcester are being targeted again by crooks posing as high-ranking officials in the Nigerian government.

The fraudsters write to businesses with elaborate stories of needing a "safe" bank account in this country to transfer vast sums of money out of Nigeria.

They pretend the money will be confiscated by the Government if it is not moved and promise the owner of the bank account huge amounts - running into millions of pounds - if they co-operate.

In reality, the bank account details are used to secure illicit loans and credit cards, which are then used to fund criminal activity, usually drugs-related.

Stuart Vinyard, who owns James's of Lowesmoor, in Worcester, received a letter on Tuesday and wants to warn other businesses.

The letter came by mail - some of them come by e-mail or even fax - and it was addressed to the managing director.

"I guessed straight away it was a scam - nobody gives anything for nothing, do they?" said Mr Vinyard, who has owned the furniture and giftware shop for 11 months.

"I thought people should be made aware of it."

The scam, known as Advance Fee Fraud, has been around for many years but people continue to fall victim to it.

"Despite previous warnings from the police and other agencies, many people are still falling into the trap," said Credit Services Association president, Stephen Lewis, who said many of the association's members had received the letters.

"The fraudsters are extremely clever and play on human greed, and companies who see it as an easy way of making fast money could become horribly unstuck.

"More than that, they are an accomplice in an international criminal act."

Anyone who receives a letter should contact the police or the Worcester Chamber of Commerce who will pass the letters on to the police.