Fraud Alert
Fraud Alert: Scam Letters from Chapman Wills & Estates LLP
Please be aware that is an ongoing scam ongoing using fake Canadian law firms, some with names similar to mine. Typically, it works by the victim receiving a letter saying their last name matches that of someone who died a few years ago, and who has left a large unclaimed inheritance. The scammer pretends to be a lawyer offering to split the unclaimed amount with the victim. Eventually this leads to a request for upfront payment of fees and taxes.
I have no connection to these letters whatsoever.
Common elements of these letters include:
- A large sum of money promised (often millions of dollars)
- A story about a relative — sometimes described as a stockbroker — who passed away and left over $10 million, with the remainder to be split 50/50 after a charitable donation.
- A deadline to respond, typically within 30 days
- Pressure tactics suggesting that if no heir comes forward, the money will be lost to the government
- Letters that appear to be legitimate from Canadian law firms. There is often even a fake website setup.
I have no involvement in any such unsolicited inheritance or estate letters. I am NOT associated with Chapman Wills & Estates LLP. If you received one, you may be a target of fraud. Do not contact them. Report to your local authorities or anti-fraud centre.
If you ever have any doubt about the authenticity of letters purporting to be sent from me, please contact me through my contact page.
You can read more about the inheritance scam here at the FTC website.
