What it looks like
"Dear [last name], I am a lawyer representing the estate of my late client, who shares your surname. He died without naming an heir. I propose we share the funds equally. Please treat this as strictly confidential and reply with your full name, phone number and date of birth."
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
These letters often arrive by regular mail on official looking paper, which makes them feel more real than an email. The writer says a client with your last name died, often in an accident, and left a large bank account or life insurance policy. No heir was found, and the money will be lost unless someone claims it soon.
The writer suggests that because you share the name, you can be put forward as the heir and the money can be split, sometimes with a share for charity to make it feel decent. They ask you to keep it quiet. Once you reply, they ask for your personal and bank details, then for fees to cover legal work, taxes or transfer costs. The fees never end, and there is no estate.
It fools honest people because the letter seems professional and the story feels like a lucky break. Real inheritances come through a probate court and the estate's own lawyer, not through a stranger offering to share. The FTC's advice is plain: never send money or information to a stranger who promises a big reward.
Signs it is fake
- A letter or email from a lawyer, banker or official in another country you have never dealt with
- A person who died and 'shares your last name' but is no relative you know of
- A plan to split the money, sometimes with part going to charity
- Requests to keep it confidential and to send your bank details, ID or Social Security number
- Fees to pay before the money can be released, like legal costs, taxes or transfer fees
What to do
- Do not reply, and do not send money or personal details.
- If you think a real relative may have left you something, contact the probate court in the county where they lived, or ask your own lawyer.
- To look for real money that may be owed to you, search unclaimed.org. It is free.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- If you sent money, call your bank or the money transfer company right away.
- If you sent a copy of your ID, your Social Security number or bank details, visit identitytheft.gov for a plan.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Lottery or sweepstakes scam
- Government grant scam
- Charity scam
- Home repair scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle