DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) is warning Iowans about inheritance scams that increase during the holiday season.
Iowans have been receiving letters claiming they have a “long-lost relative” with no immediate surviving family members. The letters ask recipients to contact a law firm in Canada to receive a large inheritance.
According to the IID, the scammers first gather personal information including bank account numbers, names and Social Security numbers, making the person vulnerable to theft. They then ask for money to cover taxes and fees from the inheritance.
Warning SignsEmails and letters from unknown sources in different countries stating the recipient has received a large amount of money.Asking for personal information including name, bank account numbers, and social security information.Asking for money to cover taxes, fees, or other costs.
Legitimate law firms don’t ask for fees upfront or request sensitive personal information through unsolicited letters.
The IID advises people to warn family members about these scams.
For more information on scams, visit here.
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