AFTER a neighbour aged 84 was 'scared to death' by a letter that seemed to be warning she owed money, Peter Long of Lydney thought everyone should know it's a racket – and a thoughtless one at best.

Bearing a "delivered by Royal Mail" logo the envelope has "WRITTEN WARNING" in bold type at the top, and in smaller type at the bottom: "Money due you will be forfeited at Midnight on February 16".

"I think these people should be aware how much this letter has scared vulnerable old people who believe they should be paying money they are not aware of," said Mr Long.

Inside, there is more "warning" literature which actually says the recipient can register for a prize cash draw if they respond in time. There is also a mail-order catalogue offering everything from gadgets to shoes.

"The likelihood of anyone winning anything worthwhile is doubtful," said Mr Long, who added: "And I don't think any of the goods are really needed by anyone. It seems to me to be a scam to get people to part with their money and get very little in return and I for one would put it straight in the bin."

He said he was surprised that Royal Mail had delivered the material, let alone allowing their logo to be used on the envelope.

A Gloucestershire Trading Standards spokesman said certain forms of postal marketing were gradually being outlawed but he wasn't sure this would be one of them. Nevertheless anyone who took part in what appeared to be a prize draw should read the material very carefully – and of course there was no obligation to join in. He recommended a scheme run by the Direct Marketing Association where people could register to stop receiving this sort of material, adding: "Unfortunately it won't stop it all, especially post from overseas."