SCAM LIBRARY · MONEY & PAYMENT
The surprise-inheritance scam
Someone contacts you claiming you've inherited money or assets from a relative or stranger you've never heard of, and asks you to pay upfront fees or share personal details to claim it.
Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-07
How it works
You receive an unexpected call, email, or letter saying you're entitled to an inheritance or prize. The sender creates urgency—saying the claim will expire soon or that you need to act quickly—and pressures you to provide personal information, banking details, or an upfront payment to unlock the supposed funds.
What it can look like
You get a call from someone claiming to represent a law firm, saying a distant relative passed away and left you money. They ask for your Social Security number and bank account 'to verify your identity and transfer the funds,' or request a small fee 'to process the paperwork.' The pressure intensifies: 'We need this information today, or the inheritance goes to the state.'
Red flags
- You're contacted about an inheritance from someone you don't know or don't recall.
- The sender asks for personal information (Social Security number, bank details, date of birth) or an upfront payment.
- There's artificial urgency—'act now or lose the money,' 'deadline today,' 'call immediately.'
- The sender cannot provide verifiable details about the supposed relative or the source of the funds.
- You're asked to keep the matter quiet or not tell your family.
What to do
- Do not share any personal or financial information, and do not send any money. Hang up, close the email, or set aside the letter.
- If you want to verify the claim, independently contact a family member you trust, or search public records yourself—never use contact details the caller provided.
- Report the contact to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov so others can be warned.