Back to Inheritance/Prize Pay‑Out Banking Details Scam

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

UCDEF 'Recovered Fund' Pay‑Out Email Asking for Bank Details

An email using the UCDEF name claims you have a “recovered fund” waiting because your surname matches their records. It includes an official-looking letter to make it feel real and asks you to send your full banking details (bank name, account number, account name, branch code). You’re told to reply or contact a “manager” to move things forward. If you engage, they keep the conversation going and may start asking for “processing” or “release” fees. Legitimate payments don’t begin with surprise UCDEF emails asking for your bank details and upfront charges.

UCDEF 'Recovered Fund' Pay‑Out Email Asking for Bank Details | Primary Image

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

  1. Uses a fake organization name and mismatched acronyms (UCDEF, UC.F.G.P, UCFGP).

  2. Provides an official-looking attachment with a reference number and big promised amount.

  3. Asks for full banking details to “receive pay‑out,” before any verified identity process.

  4. Directs replies to a free email domain (accountant.com) rather than a real corporate address.

  5. Includes awkward phone formatting (“44 745 127 SPG”) and multiple staff names/titles.

  6. Claims a “surname match” and “frozen inheritance program” to justify the supposed payment.

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
    "Attention Beneficiary, your surname has been matched in our UCDEF Recovered Fund database. Kindly forward your full bank name, account number, account name, and branch code to release your funds."
  2. 2 Excerpt 2
    "Please contact Mrs. Rebecca Reenies (UC.F.G.P) Manager at mrs.rebecca_reenies@accountant.com or call 44 745 127 SPG to process your inheritance."

Screenshots & Examples