Surname inheritance scam hits Orkney

Orkney is being bombarded with scam letters, this time purporting to be from private investment managers claiming that the recipients could be entitled to millions of dollars, thanks to their surname.

Letters from Jin Wang of the Chiyu Banking Corporation Ltd, Hong Kong, Toomey or Nesbit Pu, or Maley and Masters Gu, have all been reported. All have a ymail.com email address in common.

The letters all state that an individual sharing the same surname as the recipient had died suddenly in China leaving a fortune and with no next of kin. To help get the estate out of China the recipient is promised 50 per cent of the money.

Trading standards manager, Gary Foubister, said: ”We already have had the same letter passed to us from almost 20 people all with different surnames, so clearly the sender has obtained a list of Orkney names and addresses.

“Some of the letters have been sent to a sheltered housing complex in Kirkwall and some to deceased persons, which can be distressing.

“Thankfully no-one who has referred the letter to us has responded to it but concern has been expressed that people are still convinced by the promise of a fortune, particularly when initially no payment or bank details are requested which lends plausibility to the mailing. No doubt anyone responding will be asked for an advance payment as discussions or correspondence progresses, or for their bank details.”

The mailing has been passed to the national Scambusters Agency for investigation.