Posted on: Friday 16 October 2020
Torfaen CBC’s Trading Standards team are advising the public to be alert to a new scam. The team have become aware of attempts made to deceive vulnerable people by claiming they could be helped to attain a multi-million pound inheritance.
A number of Torfaen residents have received letters stating that they are the sole beneficiary of a multi-million pound estate as a result of a 'relative' tragically dying in China. Some of the letters provided to the team claim that either a relative has died of Coronavirus or that there have been difficulties is contacting them due to the current Coronavirus pandemic.
The letter offers assistance to the recipient in exchange for a share of the proceeds of the estate and provides a personal email for them to make initial contact. It aims to entice vulnerable people to share their bank details and other personal information.
There could be occasions when vulnerable residents are conned by this scam, and for this reason we are issuing a general warning to raise awareness.
Councillor, Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: “Unfortunately, during these uncertain times there are unscrupulous people targeting those who are vulnerable.
“If you, or anyone you know has received a letter as described or become aware of other scams, we urge you to get in touch with our Trading Standards team by emailing them on Trading.standards@torfaen.gov.uk or by phoning 01495 762200. Please do not under any circumstance reply to the letter.
“The pandemic is generally causing uncertainty and stress among the population, and we do not want this to be compounded by our residents becoming victim to a scam.