When someone passes away and money is on the line, scammers are never far behind. Inheritance scams have grown more sophisticated, and they prey on grieving families and unsuspecting heirs—often when they’re most vulnerable.
One common scheme involves fake “law firms” or “probate agents” contacting heirs and claiming they’re entitled to a large inheritance from a distant relative. They ask for fees upfront—sometimes thousands of dollars—for processing paperwork or claiming the estate. The problem? There’s no inheritance, and the scammers vanish once they’re paid.
Other scams target people whose information appears in probate records (which are often public). Fraudsters might send letters or emails requesting banking details or Social Security numbers under the guise of releasing funds. Some even pose as government officials or estate administrators.
To protect yourself:
- Never pay upfront fees to claim an inheritance.
- Verify all correspondence with a trusted probate attorney.
- Be wary of messages from overseas or unknown senders.
- Avoid sharing personal information unless you’re 100% sure it’s a legitimate source.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Heirs expecting legitimate inheritances usually hear from the executor or court—not a random caller or email address.
Families can also take steps to prevent this. Secure your loved one’s personal data, forward mail, and monitor for suspicious activity after their death. For real financial help during probate, work with trusted companies and licensed professionals.
When it comes to inheritance, don’t let scammers be the ones who cash in.
