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Posted: Sat 15th Aug 2026

Callers told a grieving north Wales family their dead relative had left £300,000 in crypto

North Wales Police have warned that fraudsters are targeting families after a death by claiming their relative left behind a cryptocurrency fortune.

The force’s cyber crime unit said the family of a north Wales resident who had died were contacted by criminals claiming their relative had invested in cryptocurrency before they died.

The callers said the investment was worth £300,000 and could be passed to the family.

North Wales Police said that after several conversations the fraudsters persuaded a family member to give out bank details, and tried to get them to open an online account to receive the money.

They then tried to withdraw money from that account.

The force described the approach as a recovery scam.

North Wales Police said people should never share bank details with an unexpected caller, and should treat unsolicited contact about inheritances, investments or cryptocurrency with caution.

Anyone who is unsure should end the call and get independent advice from someone they trust.

North Wales Police said:

“Be ruled by your head, not your heart.”

Anyone who thinks a caller is trying to trick them into handing over money or personal details can hang up and dial 159, which connects directly to their own bank’s fraud team and is run by Stop Scams UK alongside the major banks.

Fraud and cyber crime in Wales is reported to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, online at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

North Wales Police said:

“Hang up the call. Stop. Think. Protect.”

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