Corrupt Solicitor Beneficiary Scam
A dishonest "Barrister" in Canada is prepared to break the law and "re-direct" unclaimed/un-distributed funds to profit both himself and you and also some "charities". An unlikely story where recipients of the email are invited to become the next of kin of one Mr Hans Schmidt who tragically died in an accident 12 years ago. Google searches show there hasn't been a recorded death of a Hans Schmidt about the time indicated and morover says there are reports of the name being associated with online scams...
E-Mail received:
Date: No date
From: Barr. Gilbert Howard howardbarrgil@gmail.com
To: [Email address redacted]
Subject: Re: Letter from Barr. Howard
Attn: Sir,
My name is Barr. Gilbert Howard, I am a solicitor with Gilbert Howard LLP, Canada. It may surprise you to receive this letter from me, 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 "Payable-on-Death" ("POD") savings monetary deposit in the sum of Nine Million Eight Hundred and Twenty Thousand United States Dollars ($9,820,000) The policy holder was one of our clients, Mr. Hans Schmidt who worked with Energy Company here in Canada. He died in an accident in Toronto, Canada, twelve 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 12 years. Therefore, I ask for your consent to be in partnership with me for the claim of this policy benefit, 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 I want 10% of this money to be shared among charity organizations 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.
Contact me officially via email: info@gilberthowardllp.com or gilberthowardsystem@gmail.com
Your earliest response to this matter would be highly appreciated.
Have a nice day.
Best regards
Barr. Gilbert Howard (ESQ)
Gilbert Howard LLP
Notes: A standard "Nigerian" 419 Advanced Fee scam, originating from a free email provider, involving a "Barrister", a tragic accident, recipients to pretend to be the next of kin. Don't be taken in by this scam!
Reply by email to a free email provider or to an email address on the domain: gilberthowardllp.com, a domain registered in April 2025 but according to the website have 22 years of experience. Independent checks on the business address given raise doubts as to the legitimacy of the legal practice. The name Gilbert Howard LLP is also associated with documented email scams.
Recommendation: Delete the email
We received a further email from Barr Gilbert Howard. This was a briefer email which did not go into the details of making a fraudulent claim to an insurance payment (one that actually did not exist"). This email was just to "hook you" into making further enquiries.
E-Mail received:
Date: No date
From: gilberthowardllp@gmail.com
To: [Email address redacted]
Subject: Re: (Letter from Barr. Howard)
Hello Sir/Madam,
I am Barr. Gilbert Howard of Gilbert Howard LLP, Canada. I seek your consent to collaborate on a business deal that will be of huge mutual benefit to both of us. Please respond immediately so I can give you further details.
Here is my email address: gilberthoward.esq@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a nice day.
Best regards
Barr. Gilbert Howard (ESQ)
Gilbert Howard LLP
Recommendation: Delete the email
Further Reading: Gilbert Howard LLP - Fake Solicitor website
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