WHEN a letter arrived on Michael Morse’s doorstep telling him a rich distant relative had died, he knew it was a scam.

The clock and watch maker, of Old Town, had previously traced his family tree back to 1722 and knew there was no Henry Morse in his family, as referred to in the letter he received last week.

The 60-year-old has contacted Consumer Direct and Trading Standards and wants to warn others not to fall for the letter if they receive one too.

“My daughter and I have gone into the family history and gone back to 1722 over the last year. There is no Henry Morse,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s a mistake, it’s obvious. They are not asking for money or bank account details yet but I am wondering what will come. Further along the line they are going to ask. The whole thing tells me it’s a scam.

“I imagine a lot of people have been sent them and they’re all in the name of Morse.”

The letter is from Cheng Mo Chi, chief investment adviser of Wong Lee Asset Management, and states a Henry Morse was involved in an accident in 2005 in China.

It says he had millions of US dollars worth of stock but had no next of kin.

“I have never heard from them before,” said Mr Morse.

“The letter doesn’t even say that I have to be related to Henry Morse. They are looking for somebody to say ‘I am a Morse’. Somewhere along the line they are going to want something.

“What worries me is that someone could see it and think ‘oh yes’. I want to make people aware of it.”

Mr Morse contacted Consumer Direct as soon as he received the letter and filled out an online questionnaire but was concerned that was not enough. He also contacted Trading Standards but was told to speak to Consumer Direct.

“The only people I haven’t informed are the police,” he said.

In the letter, Cheng Mo Chi, said: “Working in the Hong Kong financial sector I see a lot of funds being reassigned to the state.

“If you are interested in the proposal you can contact me on the above phone number or email as these are my private contacts.

“Once again I would urge you to keep this request confidential as I am a family man and due to my status in the company.

“I understand the consequences but I know nothing ventured is nothing gained. If we can work together on this, we should act swiftly.”

The Adver tried to contact Cheng Mo Chi but did not receive a response. To report a scam, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.