Hampshire Trust Bank Scam: Email Fraud Impersonating a Bank CEO

A new advanced-fee fraud email scam is making the rounds, disguised as an email sent from Hampshire Trust Bank. The sender claims to represent Hampshire Trust Bank, but in reality, they have no connection to the bank. This is just another version of the classic inheritance scam, where fraudsters try to convince people that they’re entitled to a massive sum of money left behind by a wealthy individual.

The email typically claims that someone, potentially named Andreas Schranner or something else, has passed away, leaving millions of dollars unclaimed. The scammer, posing as a bank official, lawyer, or financial representative, insists that the recipient has been identified as the rightful heir. The goal is to gain the victim’s trust, collect personal information, and pressure them into paying bogus fees such as a shipping or brokerage fee under the pretense of processing the inheritance.

How the Hampshire Trust Bank Scam Works

The scam starts with an unsolicited email filled with formal language meant to sound legitimate. It states that a large sum of money is sitting in a bank account with Hampshire Trust Bank, and is unclaimed due to the sudden death of the account holder. The scammer claims to have searched extensively for a rightful heir before finally contacting the recipient.

To create a sense of urgency, the email warns that if action isn’t taken quickly, the money will be seized by the government or another entity. This is designed to prevent the recipient from questioning the legitimacy of the claim.

If the recipient responds, the scammer asks for personal information, including their full name, home address, phone number, and banking details. Shortly after, they introduce a series of “necessary” payments—legal fees, taxes, or transaction costs—that must be paid before the inheritance can be released. Each time the victim pays, a new issue arises, requiring more money. The cycle continues until the victim realizes they’ve been scammed or can no longer afford to pay.

How to Recognize the Hampshire Trust Bank Scam

Scammers use the same tactics in every version of this scheme. Here’s how to tell it’s fake:

• Legitimate banks don’t send random emails about inheritances. If you’ve never met the deceased person and have no connection to the bank, it’s a scam.
• They push for immediate action. Scammers want you to respond quickly before you have time to verify anything. The pressure to act fast is a red flag.
• The email asks for sensitive information. No real bank or lawyer will request personal or financial details via email.
• You’re asked to pay upfront fees. Real inheritances don’t require beneficiaries to cover taxes or legal costs before receiving funds.
• The email address looks off. It may appear professional at first glance, but often, it’s a free email account or a spoofed address designed to look official.

Example of the Scam Email

From: Matthew Wyles <ceo@hampshiretrustbank.co.uk>

Subject: Urgent: Unclaimed Inheritance at Hampshire Trust Bank

Dear Sir,

With due respect, I am the CEO of Hampshire Trust Bank, London, UK. We have an unclaimed inheritance of $30 million USD belonging to Mr. Andreas Schranner, a German businessman who passed away in 2000.

As his next of kin, you are eligible to claim the funds. Kindly provide your full name, bank details, phone number, and home address so we can begin the transfer.

Best Regards,

Matthew Wyles

CEO, Hampshire Trust Bank

What Happens If You Respond?

Once you engage, the scammer will go out of their way to make everything look real. They might send fake legal documents, forged bank letters, or government approvals, all meant to convince you the inheritance is legitimate.

At first, they’ll ask for personal details. Then, they’ll claim you need to cover a small processing fee. Once that’s paid, they’ll hit you with another charge—taxes, legal fees, or some other unexpected cost. Every payment leads to another request, and the inheritance never materializes.

If you hesitate or refuse to pay, they may resort to threats, claiming you could face legal trouble for abandoning the inheritance or that you’ll lose the money forever if you don’t comply. These threats are empty, but they’re designed to scare victims into paying.

How to Protect Yourself

The best defense against inheritance scams is to recognize them and ignore them. If you get an email like this, don’t respond. No legitimate bank, law firm, or financial institution will contact random people with an inheritance offer.

• Never share personal or financial details with unknown senders. Once scammers have your information, they can target you for identity theft or additional scams.
• Search for phrases from the email online. Many scams reuse the same wording, and reports from past victims can confirm it’s fraudulent.
• Report the scam. Forward phishing emails to fraud prevention agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Action Fraud (UK), or your country’s equivalent organization.

What to Do If You Sent Money

If you’ve already paid or shared personal information, take immediate action:

• Cut off communication with the scammer. Stop responding to emails, and don’t entertain further requests for payment.
• Contact your bank. Explain that you’ve been scammed—they may be able to stop the transaction or protect your account from further fraud.
• Monitor your accounts closely. If you notice unauthorized activity, report it immediately.
• Change passwords and security settings for any accounts that may have been compromised.
• Report the fraud to authorities. Even if you can’t recover your money, reporting the scam helps track criminals and prevent further victims.

These scams rely on deception and urgency to push people into acting without thinking. Understanding how they work is the best way to avoid becoming a victim. If you receive an email about an unexpected inheritance from someone you’ve never met, delete it—it’s a scam.