A WORCESTER man is warning people to beware of unsolicited mail promising big cash returns for signing up to horse racing tipster services.

The Worcester News reported on Monday, February 27, about a suspected scam based in Hereford where people had sent £50,000 to a Michael Davenport.

Now Brian Fisher, of Ombersley Road, has said he has received brochures from London organisations making similar claims.

He said: "The information and figures are virtually the same as the Hereford case. They claim a 76 or 77 per cent success rate on getting winners. It is ridiculous. I just want to let other people know."

Neil Hart, advice and education officer for Worcestershire Trading Standards department, said they always advise people against subscribing to tipster services as gambling is not covered by the Sale of Goods Act and contracts are unenforceable and not covered by the courts. He said: "Our advice generally to gambling is that it is unreliable. There are two types of tipsters - the respectable ones who have stringent rules and tell people there are no guarantees and the fraudsters with dodgy addresses like PO Box numbers."

Tim Thorne, Herefordshire Council principal trading standards officer, said he was amazed at the amount of money that had been sent in the Hereford case. He said he had never come across a genuine tipster business.

"If people are good at tipping winners they tend to keep it to themselves and their small circle of friends. They don't tell everyone."

Anyone with concerns can call Worcestershire Trading Standards on 01905 76537. For details about the Hereford case, ring 01432 261697.