Terrific news! You have inherited money from a distant heir. The inheritance claim states that all you have to do is wire a small amount of money to pay for the associated fees. Once you do this, the inheritance will be paid. Is this for real?

What is it? Inheritance schemes are a common type of fraud where you are contacted via an e-mail or letter notifying you that you are entitled to an inheritance. The notification is typically from a foreign official or dignitary stating you have a claim to an inheritance. You are instructed to keep this confidential and to wire or release your account information to pay for a small fee to procure your claim. You do as you are instructed, but you never receive your claim.

Tips and Advice

• Do not fall victim for an offer too good to be true.
• Do not pay for an inheritance. Wouldn't fees be paid by the estate?
• Do not wire any money. Any money you send will be lost forever.
• Do not provide your account information as these are keys to your money.
• Do not keep this confidential. Bring the letter to a trusted party that can review it with you.

For More Information

• Contact the Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program
• Consumer Assistance Program
  Morrill Hall-UVM
  Burlington, VT 05405
  Phone: 800-649-2424