State officials warn Pennsylvanians of inheritance scam targeting older adults
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania officials are warning residents to remain alert after state agencies received reports of a sophisticated scam targeting older residents through fake emails claiming to offer large inheritances.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), Department of Aging, Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the Office of Attorney General issued the joint warning on Monday.
The scam involves individuals posing as Commonwealth employees using email adresses designed to resemble official state communications, with the intent of defrauding victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In one reported case, an older Pennsylvanian received an email from someone claiming to represent a foreign credit union and a state agency.
The scammer told the victim that a distant relative had left them a larger inheritance, but they would need to pay the numerous fees to access it. Over the course of nearly a year, the victim was asked to make repeated payments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"If a benefit or situation sounds too good to be true it probably is. Reach out to our agencies or a trusted source before engaging," said Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys.
Officials stress the legitimate emails from state agencies will always end in "@pa.gov" and that no agency will ask for money upfront or demand secrecy.
"These crimes can destroy carefully planned retirements and devastate families. Older adults being approached with promised of money or emergency situations should pause and speak with someone they trust before taking action," said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich.
According to DoBS Secretary Wendy Spicher, scammers use emails, texts and calls to impersonate loved ones, banks or government offices.
"Never send money or cryptocurrency to someone you don't know, and never share personal information without verifying who you're dealing with," Spicher said.
Attorney General Dave Sunday added that his office has seen a rise in imposter scams.
"Even if the voice or email seems authentic, Pennsylvanian's should take time to research and think before giving out any information or money," Sunday said.
To help combat fraud, Governor Josh Shapiro has directed state agencies to use every resource to protect consumers. His administration also supports updates to Pennsylvania's Older Adult Pro5tective Services Act to strengthen financial protections for seniors.
This includes increased collaboration between Area Agencies and Aging, banks and law enforcement.
Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the PSP, emphasized the importance of public awareness.
"Scammers thrive on fear and secrecy. Shining a light on their schemes empowers law enforcement to act quickly and hold them accountable," Paris said.
Officials urge residents to take the following steps to protect themselves:
- Do not respond to unsolicited emails or messages promising money or inheritance.
- Do not share personal or financial information with unknown individuals.
- Verify all email addresses and websites. Official Pennsylvania websites end in .pa.gov and include the Commonwealth seal.
- Report suspicious activity to the Department of Banking and Securities (1-800-PA-BANKS), PID (1-866-PA-Complaint), or the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection (1-800-441-2555).
For more information about scam prevention and financial education, visit pa.gov/consumer or the Department of Banking and Securities' outreach page.
