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16/04/2010
'Chinese Inheritance' Scam Warning
Police in Edinburgh have warned the public to be on their guard against a new scam where criminals attempt to con vulnerable people by claiming that they could help them attain a multi-million pound fortune.
The scam has been brought to light after a member of the public received a letter which stated that he is the possible beneficiary of a multi-million pound estate, as a result of a 'relative' tragically dying in a motor accident in China.
The letter goes on to state that this 'relative' may not actually be related to the recipient, but the conman - who claims to be an asset manager for a bank in China - says that he will use his expertise to make the intended victim the 'legal beneficiary' of the estate.
He goes on to claim that he will assist the victim in exchange for a half share of the proceeds of the estate, but because he is doing so without the knowledge of his employer, any contact must be kept confidential.
The letter, which was typed and unsigned, was sent second class via Royal Mail to an address in Edinburgh, and the envelope was postmarked 'London South'.
A police spokesman said: "This was clearly an attempt to make initial contact with someone the conman thought could be a potentially vulnerable victim, in order to obtain their bank details and other personal information.
"While he was unsuccessful, there may be occasions when vulnerable members of the public are duped by this scam, and for this reason we are issuing a general warning for people to be on their guard."
The spokesman added: "Anyone who receives such a letter should under no circumstances reply, and should instead report the matter to police immediately."
(PR/GK)
The scam has been brought to light after a member of the public received a letter which stated that he is the possible beneficiary of a multi-million pound estate, as a result of a 'relative' tragically dying in a motor accident in China.
The letter goes on to state that this 'relative' may not actually be related to the recipient, but the conman - who claims to be an asset manager for a bank in China - says that he will use his expertise to make the intended victim the 'legal beneficiary' of the estate.
He goes on to claim that he will assist the victim in exchange for a half share of the proceeds of the estate, but because he is doing so without the knowledge of his employer, any contact must be kept confidential.
The letter, which was typed and unsigned, was sent second class via Royal Mail to an address in Edinburgh, and the envelope was postmarked 'London South'.
A police spokesman said: "This was clearly an attempt to make initial contact with someone the conman thought could be a potentially vulnerable victim, in order to obtain their bank details and other personal information.
"While he was unsuccessful, there may be occasions when vulnerable members of the public are duped by this scam, and for this reason we are issuing a general warning for people to be on their guard."
The spokesman added: "Anyone who receives such a letter should under no circumstances reply, and should instead report the matter to police immediately."
(PR/GK)
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