Beware letter claiming long-lost loved one left you money

Thieves are hoping you will believe a long-lost loved one has left you millions.

Instead, a letter or email you receive claiming an unknown family member has left you an inheritance, is trying to get your money. Postal inspectors say the letter usually says something like a deceased relative left you millions in a bank vault in a foreign country. In order to get it, you need to send processing fees. Some people taken by the scam have paid up to $1500.

“When they checked with other relatives and no one has heard of them, they checked with their attorney and they were told that the scam is all over the internet,” explained Kim Gordon, a U.S. Postal Inspector.

Postal inspectors say legitimate law firms will never contact you with one simple letter and ask you to pay a fee. If you get a letter like this, call police.