Back to Inheritance/Prize Pay‑Out Banking Details Scam

This is a version of Inheritance/Prize Pay‑Out Banking Details Scam.

UBS ‘Colm Kelleher’ Next-of-Kin Inheritance Email

Email claims to be from “Thomas Colm Kelleher,” Chairman of UBS Group AG, offering to list the recipient as next of kin to a deceased client who supposedly shares their surname. It pressures secrecy and quick action, mentions a 14‑day deadline before the funds go to the government, and promises a 50/50 split of €9,400,000. The message links to the real executive’s Wikipedia page to appear credible and asks to continue via private email—classic signs of an advance‑fee inheritance scam.

UBS ‘Colm Kelleher’ Next-of-Kin Inheritance Email | Primary Image

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

  1. Impersonates UBS Group AG Chairman “Colm Kelleher” and links to his Wikipedia page for credibility

  2. Claims the deceased client shares the recipient’s surname to make the story feel plausible

  3. Sets a 14-day deadline and says funds will go to the government (escheat) to create urgency

  4. Offers a 50/50 split of €9,400,000 to entice quick cooperation

  5. Urges secrecy and asks to move the conversation to a private email

  6. Uses formal titles and bank language to appear official

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: You receive an unexpected message saying you were chosen for an inheritance, recovered fund, or prize pay‑out.

  2. 2

    Step 2: An attachment or letterhead shows an official‑sounding agency, a reference number, and a big amount to make it look legitimate.

  3. 3

    Step 3: You are told to send your banking details (Bank name, Account number, Account name, Branch/SWIFT) and sometimes ID copies.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Once you respond, they add pressure and request ‘processing’ or ‘release’ fees, or they attempt to move money through your account.

  5. 5

    Step 5: If you pay or share details, you may lose money and risk identity theft or becoming a money mule.

✓ Do this

  • Be skeptical of any unexpected pay‑out or inheritance notice—real ones don’t ask for fees by email.
  • Verify independently: contact your bank using the number on your card or their official website, not numbers in the email.
  • Protect your bank details like you would your Social Security/ID number.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not send bank account details, ID copies, or personal information to unknown senders.
  • Do not pay any ‘release’ or ‘transfer’ fees, taxes, or buy gift cards to receive funds.
  • Do not click links or open attachments from strangers claiming you’ve won money.
  • Do not call or text phone numbers listed in the message.

Verbatim excerpts from the scam

Exact lines from emails or messages—searchable text so you can compare wording.

  1. 1 Excerpt 1
    Hello, Thank you for your prompt response. I would like to formally introduce myself to you. My name is Mr. Thomas Columba "Colm" Kelleher, and I am the Chairman of the board of directors of Union Bank Switzerland Group AG. I regret having intruded upon your privacy in this manner, but I will proceed with the details of the proposal as outlined in my introductory email to you. I respectfully request that you maintain the confidentiality of this correspondence and respect the integrity of the information you receive. I contacted you privately, and as such, no one is aware of this communication. Therefore, we have chosen to communicate exclusively via our private email. I am the personal accountant of the late Mr. Fabian Noble, a foreign contractor with Royal Dutch who had an investment account with my bank. Unfortunately, my client passed away along with his nuclear family in France during a sabbatical in the summer of 2011. May his soul rest in peace. He did not leave a will, and several efforts to locate his extended family through his embassy have been unsuccessful. I received a notice last week to provide the next of kin of my late client, as his personal accountant, or the account risk would be transferred to the government (escheat) within 14 days. I am contacting you to assist me in repatriating the funds left behind by my late client. This claim will be executed without breaching any laws, and success is guaranteed if we collaborate on it. The bank will release the account to you based on my recommendation of you as the next of kin. As a religious individual, I expect the same level of integrity from you. The amount involved is €9,400,000.00 EUR (Nine Million Four Hundred Thousand Euros). I propose that we share the proceeds equally. I believe this is a fair arrangement. Upon receipt of your response, I will provide you with the requisite details regarding this transaction. I am reaching out to you because you share the same surname as my deceased client. I trust that you will cooperate with me. Please handle this proposal with utmost confidentiality and urgency to ensure its successful execution. Refrain from exploiting the trust I have placed in you. As the Chairman of the board of directors of Union Bank Switzerland Group AG, I am confident in the successful completion of this transaction. Should you be able to collaborate with me, I would appreciate it if you could indicate so. Please maintain utmost confidentiality and be assured that this transaction will be mutually beneficial. For further information about me, please visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colm_Kelleher I kindly request a prompt response to enable me to provide you with additional details about this opportunity. Thank you for considering this proposal. I eagerly await your urgent response to facilitate the provision of further information. Sincerely, Thomas Colm Kelleher. Chairman of the board of directors of UBS GROUP AG. * Please consider the environment before printing any email correspondence. Print only when necessary. * This email is only sent to the intended recipients and addressees in confidence and not for external circulations.