Fake 'Caddington Matilda Law Firm' emails promise £27 million inheritance
Impersonating: Fake law firms (advance fee fraud)
What is this scam?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has flagged emails purporting to be from a 'Caddington Denshaw' of the non-existent 'Caddington Matilda Law Firm', offering to help recipients claim a deceased client's estate worth £27,835,000 in exchange for a percentage. Victims who engage are eventually asked to pay upfront fees — described as legal costs, processing charges, or tax clearance — before any funds can be released. No inheritance exists; this is a classic advance fee fraud. The emails include a fabricated London address to appear legitimate.
Example scam message
Email subject: Confidential Inheritance Matter — Urgent Response Required. 'Dear Friend, I am writing to you in a matter of utmost confidentiality. A deceased client of this firm passed away intestate, leaving an estate valued at £27,835,000 with no known next of kin. Your contact details were identified in the deceased's records. We wish to act on your behalf to recover this inheritance. In return we ask for 30% of the recovered sum. Please respond urgently. Caddington Denshaw, Chairman & Senior Partner, Caddington Matilda Law Firm, 145 City Road, London EC1V 1AW. caddenshaw@cadmatilda.com'
Red flags to look out for
- No legitimate inheritance is offered via an unsolicited cold email — this is always a scam.
- 'Caddington Matilda Law Firm' is not registered with the SRA and does not exist.
- Any request for upfront fees to release funds — however described — is the hallmark of advance fee fraud.
- Imposing urgency and confidentiality are designed to prevent you from seeking independent advice.
What to do if you receive this
- Delete the email and do not respond or pay any fee.
- Verify whether any law firm is genuine at sra.org.uk/find-a-solicitor before engaging.
- Forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Received this message?
Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider.
You can also report it to Action Fraud
or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
Not sure if your message is a scam?
Check it instantly with our free AI-powered detector.
Check a message nowSource: Action Fraud