Beware of Scam Letters Claiming Large Inheritances

The North East Crime Reduction Team have seen a rise in an old scam involving fraudulent letters targeting individuals with promises of vast inheritances. These letters, often disguised as official communications from legal representatives or executors, claim that the recipient is a beneficiary of a deceased person’s estate worth hundreds of millions of pounds. The scammers aim to lure victims into responding and sharing personal information or paying advance fees. While the prospect of sudden wealth may seem enticing, it is crucial to stay alert and recognize these scams to avoid becoming a victim. 

How the Scam Works

Initial Contact: The scammer sends a letter on official-looking stationery, falsely claiming to manage the estate of a recently deceased individual. They often assert that the recipient’s surname matches the deceased’s or that they have identified the recipient as the closest living relative.

Emotional Manipulation: The letter may include emotional appeals, such as stating that the deceased had no other heirs or emphasizing the uniqueness of the opportunity to claim unclaimed wealth.

Urgency and Secrecy: Scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to respond quickly. They may also request confidentiality, citing legal or sensitive reasons to discourage victims from seeking advice.

Request for Personal Information: Once the recipient responds, scammers typically demand sensitive information, such as bank account details, identification documents, or advance fees, purportedly to process the claim. This information can be exploited for identity theft or financial fraud.

Red Flags to Look Out For

Unsolicited Letters: Be cautious of unexpected communications about inheritances, especially if you’ve never heard of the deceased. Grammar and spelling within the letter are often incorrect.

Vague or Inconsistent Details: Legitimate estate executors provide clear and verifiable information, whereas scammers rely on generic or inconsistent claims.

Pressure to Act Quickly: Authentic legal processes do not require rushed decisions. Scammers exploit urgency to prevent critical thinking.

Requests for Money or Sensitive Information: Genuine inheritance claims do not involve upfront fees or demands for personal data.

Inheritance scams prey on trust and the allure of unexpected wealth. We encourage you to remain cautious and consult with trusted professionals if you have any doubts. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid sharing sensitive details or making payments to unknown individuals. Remain vigilant about safeguarding your identity. If you have shared any personal or financial information, closely monitor your bank and credit accounts for suspicious activity.

Have a Fraud and Scam free Christmas!

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.