From the orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County's Neighborhood Services Division is alerting residents to a scam involving fraudulent letters claiming recipients are entitled to unclaimed life insurance money. The FTC says the letters are not legitimate and are designed to deceive consumers. Officials encourage residents to search for legitimate unclaimed property through official government websites and report scams immediately.
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Orange County is warning residents to be on guard against a new scam that falsely promises unclaimed life insurance proceeds from deceased individuals.
Related: State warns of fake court notices targeting Florida drivers.
The Orange County Neighborhood Services Division issued the alert after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned consumers about fraudulent letters claiming recipients are entitled to inherit money because they share the same last name as someone who has died.
According to the FTC, the letters claim an attorney has located unclaimed life insurance benefits and proposes splitting the money among the recipient, charitable organizations and the law firm handling the supposed estate.
County officials say the letters are fraudulent.
While legitimate unclaimed property programs do exist, they are administered through official government agencies—not unsolicited letters from private attorneys promising large inheritances.
The FTC issued a nationwide consumer alert on July 9, warning that the letters are designed to trick recipients into providing personal information or paying fees.
Orange County encourages residents to verify any claims through official government resources before responding.
Florida residents can search for legitimate unclaimed property through the Florida Department of Financial Services' unclaimed property database. Those who have lived in other states can also search official state unclaimed property programs through the federal government's unclaimed money portal.
Anyone who receives one of the fraudulent letters is encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission through its online fraud reporting system.
Residents with questions or concerns can also contact the Orange County Consumer Protection Office by email for assistance.
County officials say consumers should be especially cautious of unsolicited letters, emails, or phone calls claiming they have inherited money or must act quickly to claim funds, as these are common tactics used by scammers.
To search for legitimate unclaimed property in Florida, visit www.fltreasurehunt.gov/. Residents who have lived in other states can search official state programs throughwww.usa.gov/unclaimed-money.
Anyone who receives one of these fraudulent letters should report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
For more information, email the Orange County Consumer Protection Office at FraudHelp@ocfl.net.
Key Points:
- Orange County is warning residents about a nationwide unclaimed life insurance scam.
- Fraudulent letters claim recipients can inherit money from someone with the same last name.
- The FTC says the letters are not from legitimate attorneys and are part of a scam.
- Legitimate unclaimed property can be searched through official government websites.
- Residents who receive scam letters should report them to the FTC.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers, and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net.
