Tiana.Davis@ocfl.net
PIO@ocfl.net
SCAM ALERT! Orange County Neighborhood Services Division Warns Residents About Unclaimed Life Insurance and Inheritance Scam
Orange County, FL – Unclaimed property is real and is administered through official government agencies. However, scammers are taking advantage of consumers by sending fraudulent letters claiming recipients are entitled to unclaimed life insurance proceeds from a deceased person who shares their last name.
On July 9, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a consumer alert warning about the scam. According to the FTC, the letters claim the sender will “split the proceeds between you, some charity organizations, and their law firm.” The FTC warns that these letters are not from legitimate attorneys. They are part of a scam.
To search for legitimate unclaimed property in Florida, visit www.fltreasurehunt.gov/. Residents who have lived in other states can search official state programs through www.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.
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 or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.