Scammers offering fake inheritance payout target Caroline residents
VENN
CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Scammers are trying to trick Caroline County residents with letters, emails and phone calls promising millions of dollars in nonexistent inheritance or insurance payouts.
On Monday, Sept. 28, the Caroline County Sheriff's Office posted a scam alert to Facebook after a resident shared a scam letter with authorities.
That resident received a letter that claimed to be from an overseas law firm. It stated the resident was entitled to an inheritance or insurance payout because of a "shared last name" and that, if they cooperated, they would receive millions of dollars.
If you get such a letter, no matter how official it may look, do not go along with what it says. It is a scam.
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These kinds of scams often rely on similar stories, claiming the victim is an heir to some kind of estate, life insurance policy or bank account, authorities said. Scammers will offer large amounts of money if you give them a payment upfront.
When you receive an unsolicited letter, email or phone call, remember the following:
- Be suspicious of anyone promising large sums of money out of the blue.
- Do not send money, gift cards or make wire transfers to unknown individuals.
- Never provide personal information, especially banking or account information, without verifying that the person you're speaking to is who they really say they are.
If you receive a scam letter, email or phone call, the Caroline County Sheriff's Office asks that you report it immediately by calling 804-633-5400.
