Did you receive a convincing letter from someone who said they’re a lawyer looking for their client’s heir?
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Toss it! It’s a scam, the Federal Trade Commission warns.
According to the FTC, the letters people have been receiving appear to be from a legitimate law firm, saying the recipient is the heir to a life insurance policy or inheritance.
It’s a lie.
It might be tempting to reply, just to see if you really can get some of the money. But that’s where the scam kicks in, the FTC warns.
If you contact them, they’ll try to get your personal and financial information, like your Social Security or bank account numbers, your money — or all of the above.
Oh, and that life insurance policy or inheritance? It doesn’t exist at all. It’s a scam.
Here’s what to do if you get one of these letters:
- Don’t respond. Keep your money and information to yourself. Never send money or information to a stranger who promises big rewards. That’s always a scam.
- Pass this information on to a friend. You probably throw away these kinds of letters. But you also probably know someone who could use a friendly reminder that these are scams.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.