Police warn of new inheritance scam

If you receive a letter claiming you’re entitled to a hefty inheritance from a dead relative, be careful.

The Economic Crime Unit of the Thunder Bay Police are warning of a new mail scam making the rounds.

The scammers typically pose as an accounting firm. They will ask for your personal information and even advance fees under the promise of sending funds from this fraudulent inheritance.

Do not contact the sender unless you have fully verified all information with your family or a third party.

In today’s world, it’s smart to stay alert for scams, whether they arrive online, by phone, or in your mailbox. Here are five common signs to watch for:

• They ask for money or personal info upfront, especially to claim a prize or reward.
• Promises of winnings, gifts, or offers you never applied for, common in lottery or prize scams.
• Urgent, high‑pressure language pushing you to act immediately before you can think or verify.
• Unfamiliar or suspicious branding, like generic greetings, poor design, or strange contact info.
• Unusual payment methods (e.g., “processing fees,” payments to claim a prize).

For information about common frauds and how to protect yourself, visit the Thunder Bay Police Service’s fraud prevention resources or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.

To file an online fraud or cybercrime report with the Thunder Bay Police Service, click here.