19 NOVEMBER 1954, Page 24

CHAIN LETTERS

Sm,—May I warn all readers of Strix that the chain letter racket when it involves send- ing and receiving money is an offence against the Betting and Lottery Act.

A business colleague of mine who had entered one of these schemes was visited by it CID officer and was obliged to give a fully signed statement which necessitated disclos- ing all names and addresses of the people involved.

The police were obliged to investigate because one of the recipients had lodged a complaint with the local police. Proceedings have not been taken against him and are Unlikely to be. His net gain had been about £5 which I believe he has since returned to the senders.—Yours faithfully,

PETER BE,NSON-COOPER 32 Orchard Avenue, Heston, Hounslow, Middlesex