SHAFTSBURY – The Vermont State Police in Bennington County have issued a warning about a scam which seems to target local elderly residents.

Police said they have received multiple reports of letters sent to older people which say that the recipient has won a large sum of money.

In order to collect the money, the recipient is told he or she must contact an agent who asks the recipient for personal information and tells the recipient he or she must send money via wiring services to cover the fees associated with the winnings.

Police recommend not responding to these letters which they say are just another variation on a series of scams which target the elderly or otherwise vulnerable.

They also recommend residents contact their local police department if they have questions about the validity of something which seems “too good to be true.”