Back to Inheritance/Prize Pay‑Out Banking Details Scam

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

'Inheritance Confirmation' email from Thomas Kelleher (Gmail) saying he found me on LinkedIn

A very short email claims the sender found your address on LinkedIn and asks if it’s okay to send “proposal” details. This is a common first step for inheritance or unclaimed-funds scams. If you reply, the scammer usually follows up with a dramatic story about money waiting for you, then asks for personal details, copies of ID, or “processing” fees to release the funds. The message comes from a free Gmail account and avoids specifics to get you to respond and continue the conversation.

'Inheritance Confirmation' email from Thomas Kelleher (Gmail) saying he found me on LinkedIn | Primary Image

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

  1. Uses LinkedIn name-drop to build quick trust and move the chat to email

  2. Very vague “proposal” with no details, pushing for a simple reply first

  3. Sent from a free Gmail address (not a company or law firm domain)

  4. Sets up common inheritance/unclaimed-funds follow-up and fee requests

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
    ---------- Forwarded message --------- De: Thomas Colm Kelleher <thomaskelleher.intl@gmail.com> Subject: Inheritance Confirmation Hello, I have your email address from LinkedIn, let me know if it's appropriate to send specifics of a proposal to this address.. Many thanks. Mr. Thomas C. Kelleher.

Screenshots & Examples