It claims to be from the "Anti-Money Laundering Support Team" and originates from the Crewe area.

The letter presents itself as a Final Notice and implies that if you fail to register with this training scheme you will commit a criminal offence.

It also demands payment of �75 per employee to be registered.

As well as the cases in Cleveland and Cumbria, there have been many other reports from across the country and it is being investigated by Cheshire Constabulary.

Cleveland Detective Inspector Bill Matthews said: "The letter demands payment of �75 per employee to be registered. It also quotes certain sections of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and may lead a recipient to believe they are legally required to register.

"This is totally false and a blatant advance fee fraud. Businesses should not respond to this letter and on no account should any money be sent."

Any letters received should be forwarded to Crewe CID, Cheshire Constabulary,CW7 2UA.