Martinsburg, WV – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office has issued a fraud alert after a scam letter claiming a local resident was set to inherit $12 million surfaced earlier this week. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to what they’re calling a sophisticated inheritance scam.
The letter, dated August 18 and delivered on Thursday, claimed that the recipient was the sole beneficiary of a deceased Canadian client’s estate. However, law enforcement says it is a complete scam, designed to steal personal and financial information.
Intended Victim Recognized the Scam
Sheriff Rob Blair praised the alertness of the individual who received the letter and promptly reported it to the authorities. “These scammers use any method they can to obtain your bank account information,” Blair said. “Always question anything that seems too good to be true.”
The fraudulent letter reportedly used official-sounding language, fake legal documents, and false seals to appear legitimate — tactics commonly used by scammers to gain trust.
Warning for Seniors and Vulnerable Groups
Authorities are particularly concerned about elderly residents, who are frequently targeted in such schemes. Scammers often use emotional or high-pressure tactics to get victims to respond quickly, without thinking.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to:
Talk to elderly family members and neighbors
Warn them about suspicious letters, texts, emails, or phone calls
Report any questionable messages to law enforcement
How to Protect Yourself from Inheritance Scams
Officials emphasized a few simple but important tips:
Never share personal or financial information with unknown sources
Don’t click links or open attachments in unsolicited messages
Verify with local law enforcement or a trusted legal advisor before responding
Ignore and report any messages promising unexpected money or inheritance
Legitimate legal or financial communications will never request sensitive information via email, text, or letter without prior contact or a verified connection.
Scam Awareness Is Key
Scams like this are not new, but they continue to evolve. Law enforcement across the country has seen similar scams that use legal jargon, forged letterheads, and phony contact details to appear credible.
By staying aware and reporting suspicious activity, residents can help prevent others from being defrauded.
Anyone who has received a letter or communication like this is encouraged to contact their local police department or the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
