By Better Business Bureau
September 29th, 2025
BBB Scam Alert: Consumers across North America receive letters claiming they are owed an inheritance
The letter comes unexpectedly and features an enticing opportunity for the recipient: A long-lost relative has passed away and left an inheritance that could be yours. Beware of quick riches, though, as that letter is a trap.
Better Business Bureau* (BBB*) has received numerous reports to its BBB Scam Tracker in recent weeks from consumers all over North America about a letter they received alleging to be from an Ottawa, Ontario, Canada law firm. In less than a week’s time in mid-September, BBB received nearly 100 reports from consumers in 30 U.S. states and one Canadian province about a letter they received promising them riches.
Letters shared with BBB by consumers shared many of the same details, including this paragraph:
I am reaching out to discuss a sensitive and significant matter concerning an unclaimed ‘permanent life insurance policy from one of our late clients, Late Mrs. Maria (Last Name), who unfortunately passed way approximately four years ago due to Covid-19 complications. (Last name), a respected Stock Broker and Retired CPA, left behind a ‘Payable on Death’ (POD) savings account valued at approximately Ten Million Eight Hundred Thousand, Twenty United States Dollars ($10,800,020.00).
The last name in the paragraph is tailored to match the last name of the recipient of the letter. The letter goes on to say there are no risks associated with the transaction.
