Official warning
Letters promise unclaimed life insurance money
The FTC is receiving reports of letters that claim a person with your surname left behind a valuable policy.
How it works
A supposed lawyer offers to name you as an heir and divide a large insurance payment. The story is used to collect fees, personal information or bank details.
A message might say
“A client with your last name died without an heir. We can claim the policy together and split the proceeds.”
Warning signs
- ●An unexpected promise of a large inheritance
- ●A lawyer asks you to take part in a dishonest arrangement
- ●Fees or sensitive details are requested before money can be released
What to do
- 1Do not reply or provide personal information
- 2Do not pay an administration, legal or release fee
- 3Report the letter through ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Source: Federal Trade Commission. Ward has rewritten the warning in plain language.