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Wizard
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Wizard
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July 19th, 2020 at 7:19:33 PM permalink
I recently received the following letter, which I am typing out hoping that anybody searching on the name, emails, or phone numbers is in it be lead here.

Quote: Derrick Tan -- Bank of Singapore -- Hong Kong Branch


Hong Kong
Bank of Singapore Limited (Hong Kong Branch)
1 Harbour View Street
35th Floor, One International Finance Centre
Central, Hong Kong
Telephone: +8522843980

Mr. Michael W Shackleford
(address redacted)
Las Vegas NV 89134-6136

Dear Mr. Michael Shackleford,

My name is Derrick Tan, Head of Global Marketing at Bank of Singapore Hong Kong. I am currently in the United States on a five days official assignment I am getting in touch with you regarding the estate of a deceased client with a similar last name whose portfolio we had the pleasure of managing about a decade ago. I will share some limited information about the estate with you and will shed more light once I can establish some level of trust and understanding with you. I would respectfully request that you keep the contents of this mail confidential and respect the integrity of the information you come across as a result of this mail. I am contacting you independently and no one is informed of this communication.

Sometime around 2012 the subject matter, Lokni Shackleford came to our bank to engage in a business discussions with our private wealth management dept regarding a portfolio of about $11.2 M (Eleven million two hundred thousand dollars) he wished to have us invest on his behalf. Based on the advice of my colleagues at the time we spun the money around various opportunities and made attractive margins to the tune of $13.M (Thirteen million five hundred thousand dollars). In mid 2013 he informed us of his intentions to move his funds to an asset management company in Hong Kong named Hangseng Asset Management (HAM) and the transfer was initiated his behest. However HAM got in touch with us sometime in 2018 informing us the funds were received and never claimed. On further inquiries by our risk department we determined that Lokni had passed around August 2013, we also discovered he died intestate and with no known relatives. In Hong Kong the intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed if you have no known family members after the “seven year no claim rule” expires. What I propose is quite simple, I have exclusive access to Lokni’s file and I can place you in a beneficiary’s position and instruct HAM to make payments to you after all necessary verification and application is done, as long as no one gets greedy we can have a fair and equitable share by splitting the funds evenly, the other option would be letting it revert back to the state.

It's a lifetime opportunity for us and if we can be of one accord we can act swiftly and get this done in a reasonable amount of time. I can be reached on my private line 011 852 5808 2132 or personal email tanderrick70@gmail.com. I am looking forward to hearing back from you and having a more in-depth conversation about this.

King Regards


Derrick Tan



I also have a picture below. Click on it for the full size image.




I thought the 419 "Nigerian" scam was well known, but maybe changing countries and the story a bit will help. Or am I missing out a share of 11.2 million?

The question for the poll is what do you make of the letter?
Last edited by: Wizard on Jul 20, 2020
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
heatmap
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July 19th, 2020 at 7:30:25 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I recently received the following letter, which I am typing out hoping that anybody searching on the name, emails, or phone numbers is in it be lead here.



I also have a picture below. Click on it for the full size image.




I thought the 419 "Nigerian" scam was well known, but maybe changing countries and the story a bit will help. Or am I missing out a share of 11.2 million?

The question for the poll is what do you make of the letter?



cheap to print, easy to distribute, and they dont need many people to fall for it, just one to be successful
Last edited by: unnamed administrator on Jul 20, 2020
vegas
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July 19th, 2020 at 7:38:08 PM permalink
Yes this scam has been circulating for some time. They just change the names
50-50-90 Rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there is a 90% probability you'll get it wrong
Johnzimbo
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RogerKint
July 19th, 2020 at 8:10:21 PM permalink
Someone almost in Mensa would know it is a scam :)
Ace2
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July 19th, 2020 at 8:49:21 PM permalink
I’m surprised you even opened it
It’s all about making that GTA
Gandler
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July 19th, 2020 at 9:18:03 PM permalink
Bank of Singapore uses a Gmail?

I would call the bank's listed number (not the one on the letter) and ask to be transfers to Derrick Tan. Its almost certainly a dead end, but its a safe way to follow up, don't call or email the contacts on the letter, call the bank directly.
AlanMendelson
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July 19th, 2020 at 10:59:31 PM permalink
I would forward anything using a gmail address to gmail. They actually do stop these accounts.
Wizard
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July 19th, 2020 at 11:01:51 PM permalink
Quote: Gandler

Bank of Singapore uses a Gmail?



In all fairness, the letter said he is trying to do this transaction directly and privately. I'd use a private number and Email too.

Quote:

I would call the bank's listed number (not the one on the letter) and ask to be transfers to Derrick Tan. Its almost certainly a dead end, but its a safe way to follow up, don't call or email the contacts on the letter, call the bank directly.



I reported it through the real bank's web site. Turns out Derrick Tan is the big banana in Hong Kong.

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
jjjoooggg
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July 19th, 2020 at 11:08:26 PM permalink
I get many emails with all different stories. I think with certainty its a scam. They can mass print letters with custom names. Its a scam. Ill show you a list of emails i get. For some reason, Ive been considered a target.

Theyll use real background info to convince.

Btw, A salesman asked for my dads wallet and never gave it back. My dad is not mentally there. Wonder, what they could do with a ss# and drivers license?
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
BleedingChipsSlowly
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July 19th, 2020 at 11:19:06 PM permalink
Congratulations, you have been spear phished. The only thing unusual about this scam is the printed correspondence. Your bog standard phishing scam will not go to the extreme expense of using printed material. Your bank account, not your surname, made you a target. Had you pursued this offer, you would have encountered “minor” fees, taxes, bribes, or whatever that you must pay before the getting the promised windfall. The requests for additional funds would continue until you either smartened up or were out of money.
“You don’t bring a bone saw to a negotiation.” - Robert Jordan, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia
AlanMendelson
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July 19th, 2020 at 11:51:01 PM permalink
After you reported the email to gmail, ask him to lunch. I'll get the three of us a comp at TBones at Red Rock.

Hurry, he's in the USA for only five days.
ChumpChange
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July 19th, 2020 at 11:53:35 PM permalink
SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!
jjjoooggg
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July 20th, 2020 at 2:09:13 AM permalink
I’ve never received a scam by snail mail letter. My bookkeeper said she doesn’t get as many scams as me.



Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
Wizard
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July 20th, 2020 at 6:16:27 AM permalink
I get about two calls a DAY that my "Google listing" is going to be cancelled.

Back to this one, the real Bank of Singapore wrote me back and asked to see the letter and envelope.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
DJTeddyBear
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July 20th, 2020 at 7:36:15 AM permalink
It’s a scam. But...


Show us the envelope. Or at least the postage.

Bulk rate is junk mail.
Pre-sort rate are bills.
First class (stamp or meter) is (usually) legitimate mail.

I’m guessing, based on the nature of the item, that although they probably send out hundreds, they used first class to make it look legitimate.

In that case, it’s still a scam, but good for the postal service. 🤪


Also note that the USPO does sell bulk rate and pre-sort stamps. Doesn’t change their junk mail status, but could fool someone.
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
Wizard
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July 20th, 2020 at 7:40:13 AM permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBear

It’s a scam. But...


Show us the envelope. Or at least the postage.



Here you go. Click on image for larger version.

Last edited by: Wizard on Jul 20, 2020
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
BleedingChipsSlowly
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July 20th, 2020 at 7:57:37 AM permalink
First class stamp was misplaced and avoided cancellation! That's all I'm sayin'....
“You don’t bring a bone saw to a negotiation.” - Robert Jordan, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Wizard
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July 20th, 2020 at 9:27:30 AM permalink
Quote: BleedingChipsSlowly

First class stamp was misplaced and avoided cancellation! That's all I'm sayin'....



Yes -- I can reuse it!
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
OnceDear
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July 20th, 2020 at 10:12:10 AM permalink
Quote: Gandler

Bank of Singapore uses a Gmail?

I would call the bank's listed number... call the bank directly.

Huh? Why?
You don't actually believe any of it for one second, do you?
Psalm 25:16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion.
jjjoooggg
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July 20th, 2020 at 10:27:09 AM permalink
Quote: OnceDear

Huh? Why?
You don't actually believe any of it for one second, do you?



They probably have a fraud department that would like to see this. Maybe , some will pursue this.
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
billryan
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July 20th, 2020 at 2:12:09 PM permalink
I can't believe this is a thread from 2020.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
Gandler
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July 20th, 2020 at 2:24:20 PM permalink
Quote: OnceDear

Huh? Why?
You don't actually believe any of it for one second, do you?



No.

But, even if it's .0001% to be possible (I don't know about his hereditary, but if he has relatives in Hong Kong maybe higher?....) A 5-15 minute phone call for a tiny chance at 13 million? Or you blow a scammer (and possibly contribute towards him getting caught).

Either way its a win for a minor inconvenience (a few communications with a bank)...
WatchMeWin
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July 20th, 2020 at 3:35:19 PM permalink
Absolutely real! Make sure you give him all of your personal info and bank account number. Hurry or the statute of Hong Kong Limitations runs out. Com/n Man!

May I have the guys number so I can have some fun fu%** with him?
'Winners hit n run... Losers stick around'
Wizard
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July 20th, 2020 at 5:11:01 PM permalink
Quote: Gandler

But, even if it's .0001% to be possible (I don't know about his hereditary, but if he has relatives in Hong Kong maybe higher?....) A 5-15 minute phone call for a tiny chance at 13 million? Or you blow a scammer (and possibly contribute towards him getting caught).

Either way its a win for a minor inconvenience (a few communications with a bank)...



The phone number is in the letter. Feel free to call on my behalf.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Wizard
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July 22nd, 2020 at 4:02:04 AM permalink
I heard back from the bank. Here is what they wrote.

Quote:


Dear Sir,

With reference to the letter that you have provided, we wish to inform you that the letter was not signed or issued by Mr. Derrick Tan of Bank of Singapore. Accordingly, we do not take any responsibility for the contents of the letter. You may wish to consider filing a police report with your local authorities. You may wish to retain the original letter in safe custody, and to make them available when they are requested for further investigation, if necessary.

Warm regards,
Bank of Singapore

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
gordonm888
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July 22nd, 2020 at 8:31:10 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I heard back from the bank. Here is what they wrote.



So sorry for the loss of your inheritance.

And also for the loss of your uncle Lokni. You must be very Thor about it.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
gordonm888
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July 22nd, 2020 at 8:42:44 AM permalink
Quote: jjjoooggg




Just on a whim, I searched on "jjjoooggg masturbating video."

Um.

From the bottom of my heart, I advise you not to do that!

I think its like that movie, The Ring. Anyone who searches on "jjjoooggg masturbating video" and watches a video will be dead one week later.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
SOOPOO
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July 22nd, 2020 at 9:38:19 AM permalink
Quote: gordonm888

Quote: jjjoooggg




Just on a whim, I searched on "jjjoooggg masturbating video."

Um.

From the bottom of my heart, I advise you not to do that!

I think its like that movie, The Ring. Anyone who searches on "jjjoooggg masturbating video" and watches a video will be dead one week later.



You didn't read the threatening email properly. They have pictures of jooog mastrubating..... a totally different act than masturbating.... (wouldn't you think an online scammer would at least use spell check?)
DogHand
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July 25th, 2020 at 1:45:10 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

<snip>Or am I missing out a share of 11.2 million?<snip>



Wiz,

You are DEFINITELY missing out on your share of 11.2 megabucks!
.
.
.
.
.
.
The only problem is that your "share" is $0 ;-)

Dog Hand
jjjoooggg
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August 17th, 2020 at 9:12:00 AM permalink
I get alot of press this link asap to restore. I never press an emailed link.


Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
BedWetterBetter
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August 17th, 2020 at 3:33:00 PM permalink
Sounds pretty much like the elderly bank account scam. They often use American mules or victims to post mark the "letters" to look official and have a valid U.S. Address. They then contact said mule or victim in the states to forward the package overseas, where they await the prize inside.

There's a Youtube channel called Trilogy Media (not plugging or advertising them) that deals with these guys face to face in some intense showdowns. Once they happened on an old woman who they thought was the scammer, but was just another victim who got conned for $30,000. In their latest video, they confronted an actual Mule who was from India(surprise, surprise!) and said he was "not aware of a scam."

There are so many levels and patsies in these scams, it's unreal how deep the rabbit hole goes. Anyway, better luck on your next government inheritance Wiz!
jjjoooggg
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August 18th, 2020 at 12:52:26 AM permalink
Never press a button or link in an email. Google the Bank website directly.

So many people must have been scammed.
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
DRich
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August 18th, 2020 at 10:30:31 AM permalink
Quote: jjjoooggg

Never press a button or link in an email. Google the Bank website directly.

So many people must have been scammed.



Yes, but what if I miss the one that isn't a scam and I just lost out on $18 million? Click the links, press the buttons, answer the emails and see what happens. I know I will lose less than $18 million.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
jjjoooggg
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August 19th, 2020 at 6:42:23 PM permalink
Email scam

Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
nucleon
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August 26th, 2020 at 8:49:55 AM permalink
I got one rsonalized to my last name of course. Mine was postmarked Los Angeles.

Reported it to Mr. Tan himself. He is apparently tired of hearing about his alter ego, as he did not respond.

One part of the problem with these scams is that they prey on greed; if even one mark suspends rationality on the hope that he might get $11M that doesn't belong to him, the scammer wins. Bigly.

Another is the fact that many communication companies will NOT do anything about this trash. As long as the phone customer pays their bills, the companies will drag their feet about cutting them off, even though they pay lip-service to ridding us of this scourge. There are easy ways to trace US phone numbers (Fonefinder [dot] net and others), but I don't have the tools for Singapore.
jjjoooggg
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nucleon
August 26th, 2020 at 10:50:51 AM permalink
Quote: nucleon

I got one rsonalized to my last name of course. Mine was postmarked Los Angeles.

Reported it to Mr. Tan himself. He is apparently tired of hearing about his alter ego, as he did not respond.

One part of the problem with these scams is that they prey on greed; if even one mark suspends rationality on the hope that he might get $11M that doesn't belong to him, the scammer wins. Bigly.

Another is the fact that many communication companies will NOT do anything about this trash. As long as the phone customer pays their bills, the companies will drag their feet about cutting them off, even though they pay lip-service to ridding us of this scourge. There are easy ways to trace US phone numbers (Fonefinder [dot] net and others), but I don't have the tools for Singapore.



There is an email to forward paypal scams to spoof@paypal.com


Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
jjjoooggg
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September 6th, 2020 at 6:09:38 PM permalink
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
pbmfire
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December 14th, 2020 at 3:01:59 PM permalink
This scam is still alive and well. I received the same letter body. Only differences were my last name was used and Olivier Denis (Global Market Head of Bank of Singapore) was the contact. I have a copy of the letter and his "French Passport". If you're interested just let me know how to insert photos in this post.
willclarck
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August 26th, 2021 at 12:28:41 PM permalink
Quote: BedWetterBetter

Sounds pretty much like the elderly bank account scam. They often use American mules or victims to post mark the "letters" to look official and have a valid U.S. Address. They then contact said mule or victim in the states to forward the package overseas, where they await the prize inside.

There's a Youtube channel called Trilogy Media (not plugging or advertising them) that deals with these guys face to face in some intense showdowns. Once they happened on an old woman who they thought was the scammer, but was just another victim who got conned for $30,000. In their latest video, they confronted an actual Mule who was from India(surprise, surprise!) and said he was "not aware of a scam."

There are so many levels and patsies in these scams, it's unreal how deep the rabbit hole goes. Anyway, better luck on your next government inheritance Wiz!



Unfortunately, fraud will always exist, because many people perceive information quickly and without analysis. And if there is an opportunity to get money, it will work.
jjjoooggg
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August 26th, 2021 at 1:32:43 PM permalink
I get email scams daily. We had one or two disconnection letter and phone call. We reached out to the point of contact at the energy company who verified it was a scam.

My dad has 3 red flags on lifelock. Im in process of talking to an agent. I believe it coincides with spotty assisted living residence. He stays at the most expensive in town. Having overbilling issues every month. The bill says no late payment til such date. We hand deliver checks. So we have receipt. Also medication billing issue.
Last edited by: jjjoooggg on Aug 26, 2021
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
Palladium
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January 20th, 2023 at 7:46:25 AM permalink
This is a funny thread to me, because I live right here in Singapore for 35 years and yet I have never ever heard of a "Bank of Singapore".

People here constantly falling for scams of the dumb obvious flavors are sadly commonplace though.
TigerWu
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SOOPOO
January 20th, 2023 at 8:36:11 AM permalink
I've responded to email scams like this a few times. It gets to the point where I need to wire them money or something, and then I respond with, "Sure, no problem. But first you have to wire me $99 to cover the bank transfer paperwork. That's actually a federal legal requirement of my bank for international wires, that the recipient has to pay the fee in advance."

They stop responding after that.
ChumpChange
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January 20th, 2023 at 6:51:44 PM permalink
T-Mobile got hacked AGAIN between November 25, 2022 and January 5, 2023. T-Mobile caught the intrusion on January 5, and shut it down on January 6. But that's a few weeks of not knowing about the hack. 37 million accounts were hacked for personal information, so that's more than 37 million people because there's multiple lines on many accounts. I still haven't heard from T-Mobile about it, I have to catch the internet news. Maybe I should cancel my service and switch the SIM card to TracFone, but I get so many 2FA's on my current number that changing the phone number would be such a bad idea. TracFone has a terrible data plan too, it doesn't even rate compared to T-Mobile. Pretty sure my TracFone number has been stolen several times in the past and spoofed by law enforcement, so maybe switching all that data over is an absolutely horrible idea.
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