I've recently had a new spin on these. A letter purporting to come from China (but posted in UK) from a Chinese "lawyer" addressed correctly to me by name informing me that he is the financial manager for someone with my unusual surname who died in a hiking accident in China (as you do!)and, of course, not leaving a will, despite having $21 million dollars on deposit. This kind gentleman is willing to share this fortune 50/50 with me despite me not being related to the deceased. I include his details (no address given, of course) below so you can all check with him in case he has similar funds belonging to someone with YOUR surname!
Mr Tuka Zi
Tel:+852 8198 2412
Fax:+852 3017 7332
Email: tukaz@ymail.com

I am asking him to invest my share in the Mudcat Tavern Inc. and the NYCFTTS.

I'm on the telephone preference list in the UK and the online equivalent but it doesn't stop overseas callers, who always seem to ring at mealtimes (or perhaps I'm always eating!). Like Michael, when I get someone garbling my name I just put the phone down. If they purport to be in the UK I point out their company can be fined for breaching the TPS rules and put the phone down.
RtS