The “Transfer On Death” email scam is a fraudulent phishing attempt designed to trick recipients into believing they are entitled to a massive inheritance. The scam email claims that an individual, typically a lawyer or financial advisor, has discovered an unclaimed life insurance policy worth $285,030,900 from a deceased client. The sender proposes adding the recipient’s name to the policy to facilitate the claim, promising a large financial reward.
This scam is 100% fraudulent and aims to steal personal and financial information from victims or trick them into sending money under false pretenses. The scam email often urges recipients to act quickly, creating a sense of urgency. Victims who fall for this scam risk identity theft, financial losses, and unauthorized access to their online accounts.
Threat Summary
Threat Name | “Transfer On Death” Scam Email |
---|---|
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Associated Email | Fake emails from individuals posing as legal representatives |
Detection Names | Phishing Scam, Fake Inheritance Scam |
Symptoms | Receiving deceptive emails, unauthorized financial transactions, identity theft |
Damage | Loss of sensitive information, financial fraud, identity theft, computer hacking |
Distribution Methods | Spam emails, deceptive advertisements, phishing websites |
Danger Level | High – May lead to severe financial and personal data losses |

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Understanding the “Transfer On Death” Email Scam
The scam email, often titled “Need Your Attention Here” or similar subject lines, originates from a fraudulent sender posing as a legal representative from a law firm. The email suggests that the recipient shares a last name with the deceased, justifying their eligibility for the unclaimed funds.
Text of the Scam Email
Subject: Need Your Attention Here
My name is Derke David, and I am the principal partner at DEREK LLP Canada and Dubai. I apologize if my letter came to you as a surprise since there has been no previous correspondence between us. There is an unclaimed “permanent life insurance policy” held by our deceased client.
The transaction pertains to an unclaimed “transfer on death” (TOD) savings monetary deposit in the sum of $285,030,900. The policyholder was one of our clients, the late Michael Farach, who was an Investor and precious stone dealer. He died in an auto crash over nine years ago. Since his death, no one has come forward for the claim, and all our efforts to locate his relatives have proved unsuccessful.
The insurance company code stipulates that insured permanent policies not claimed must be turned over to the abandoned property division of the state after 10 years. Therefore, I ask for your consent to be in partnership with me for the claim of this policy benefit, in view of the fact that you share the same last name and nationality as the deceased. If you permit me to add your name to the policy, all proceeds will be processed on your behalf. I wish to point out that 10% of this money will go to charity, while the remaining 90% will be shared between us.
This is 100% risk-free; I have all necessary documentation to expedite the process in a highly professional and confidential manner. I will provide all the relevant documents to substantiate your claim as the beneficiary. This claim requires a high level of confidentiality, and it may take up to thirty (30) business days from the date of receipt of your consent. Kindly provide a reachable contact number for faster communication. For more details, please contact me at my email.
Your earliest response to this matter would be highly appreciated.
Regards,
Barrister Derke David
How the “Transfer On Death” Scam Works
The scammers behind the “Transfer On Death” email campaign use a well-crafted script to lure victims into their trap:
- False Legitimacy – The email appears to come from a professional lawyer or financial advisor.
- Fabricated Urgency – The message claims that the funds must be claimed soon before they are turned over to the state.
- Promise of Wealth – Victims are tempted with a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
- Phishing for Information – The scammer asks for contact details, banking information, or identity documents.
- Requests for Payment – The victim may be asked to cover legal fees, transfer costs, or tax payments before they can receive the “inheritance.”
- Financial and Identity Theft – Once personal and financial data is provided, victims may lose money or have their identities stolen.
Why This Email is a Scam
- No legitimate inheritance process works this way—legal institutions do not contact random individuals for financial partnerships.
- Scammers use urgency to pressure victims—they claim the offer is time-sensitive.
- Real lawyers do not conduct business through unsolicited emails.
- No verifiable information—fake names, fake law firms, and a lack of official details.
How to Manually Identify and Remove Email Scams
Manually removing email scams involves recognizing fraudulent messages, securing your accounts, and taking precautions to prevent future attacks. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify Suspicious Emails
Before taking action, you need to identify scam emails. Common signs include:
- Unknown Sender: Emails from unfamiliar addresses, especially if they claim to be from banks, tech support, or government agencies.
- Urgency or Threats: Scammers often pressure you to act immediately (e.g., “Your account will be closed in 24 hours!”).
- Poor Grammar & Spelling: Many scam emails contain obvious grammatical mistakes.
- Suspicious Links & Attachments: Hover over links (without clicking) to check the actual URL. If it looks odd, don’t click.
- Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate companies will never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details via email.
Step 2: Do Not Click Links or Download Attachments
If you suspect an email is a scam:
- Do not click on any links.
- Do not open any attachments.
- Do not reply to the sender.
Step 3: Report the Email Scam
You can report the scam email to various authorities:
- Gmail/Outlook/Yahoo Users: Click the “Report Phishing” or “Report Spam” button in your email client.
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission, USA): Report to FTC Complaint Assistant.
- Google Safe Browsing: If the scam email contains a phishing website, report it here.
Step 4: Block the Sender
- Gmail: Open the email, click the three dots in the top-right corner, and select “Block [Sender Name]”.
- Outlook: Open the email, select “Junk” > “Block Sender”.
- Yahoo Mail: Open the email, click “More” > “Block Sender”.
Step 5: Check Your Accounts for Unauthorized Activity
If you accidentally clicked a link or shared sensitive information:
- Change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for every account.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Check your banking statements for unauthorized transactions.
Step 6: Scan Your Device for Malware
Some email scams contain malware hidden in attachments or malicious links. Run a full system scan using built-in tools:
- Windows Defender (Windows 10/11):
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
- Click “Quick Scan” or “Full Scan”.
- Mac Users:
- Use Malwarebytes for Mac or another security tool.
Step 7: Adjust Your Email Security Settings
- Enable email filtering to reduce spam and phishing emails.
- Add a third-party spam filter such as Mailwasher or Spamihilator.
- Educate yourself and others on phishing techniques to avoid future scams.
How to Remove Email Scams Using SpyHunter (Automated Method)

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For users who prefer an automated, foolproof method to remove threats linked to email scams, SpyHunter offers an advanced security solution. SpyHunter is an anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove phishing-related threats, spyware, Trojans, and other cyber threats. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
- Visit the official SpyHunter download page: Download SpyHunter
- Click on “Download” and save the installation file to your computer.
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Locate the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe) and double-click to open it.
- Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
- After installation, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Open SpyHunter and navigate to “Malware/PC Scan”.
- Click “Start Scan Now” to begin a deep scan of your system.
- SpyHunter will analyze files, registry entries, and processes for any threats linked to email scams, phishing, and malware.
Step 4: Review and Remove Detected Threats
- Once the scan completes, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- Click “Fix Threats” to remove them.
- Restart your computer to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Enable Real-Time Protection
SpyHunter includes real-time protection features to help prevent future infections:
- Enable Active Guards: This monitors your system for malware in real time.
- Schedule Automatic Scans: Set up periodic scans to detect new threats early.
Step 6: Keep SpyHunter Updated
- Regularly check for updates to ensure SpyHunter detects the latest threats.
- To update SpyHunter, open the app and go to “Settings” > “Update”, then click “Check for Updates”.
Preventing Future Email Scams
Now that you’ve removed email scams, take proactive steps to prevent them in the future:
Use a Secure Email Provider
- Consider switching to a secure email provider like ProtonMail or Tutanota, which offer advanced encryption.
Be Cautious with Email Links
- If you receive an email with a suspicious link, verify the website’s legitimacy before clicking.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities
- Scammers can use public Wi-Fi to intercept your data. Use a VPN when accessing email on public networks.
Regularly Change Your Passwords
- Update your passwords every few months, and never reuse old passwords.
Use Anti-Phishing Extensions
- Install browser extensions like Bitdefender TrafficLight or Avast Online Security to detect phishing links in real-time.
Email scams are a serious cyber threat that can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or malware infections. By following the manual removal steps, you can effectively identify and remove suspicious emails on your own. However, for advanced protection, using SpyHunter ensures a more thorough and automated approach to detecting and removing phishing-related threats.
Recommended Action
For a fast and efficient way to remove email scams and related malware, download and install SpyHunter now: Download SpyHunter
By staying informed and proactive, you can protect yourself from future email scams and online threats!
Conclusion
The “Transfer On Death” scam email is a dangerous phishing attempt that preys on unsuspecting victims with the false promise of millions of dollars. Users should never respond to such emails, disclose personal details, or send money. If you receive an email like this, report it as spam, delete it, and remain vigilant against future scams.

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