Consumers are being warned about a scam involving official-looking letters claiming the recipient may be entitled to millions of dollars in unclaimed life insurance money.

The scam has been reported nationwide and typically begins with a letter that appears to come from a law firm. The supposed attorney claims a client with the same last name as the recipient has died without an heir, leaving behind a life insurance policy worth millions of dollars. The recipient is then offered a portion of the money, with the remainder supposedly divided between the law firm and charities.

There is just one problem: the inheritance and life insurance policy do not exist.

The Federal Trade Commission warned consumers in July that the scheme has resurfaced. According to the FTC, the letters are not coming from legitimate attorneys. Instead, scammers are attempting to convince recipients to respond so they can obtain personal or financial information, including Social Security numbers and bank account information. Victims may also be pressured to send money for supposed fees associated with receiving the nonexistent payout.

A recent reported case involved a letter promising a consumer $4.9 million through what was described as a risk-free transaction. Several warning signs helped the recipient recognize the scam, including typographical errors and inconsistencies involving where the letter was mailed and where the supposed law firm was located.

The FTC advises anyone receiving one of these letters not to respond. Consumers should never provide personal or banking information or send money to someone who unexpectedly contacts them with promises of a large financial reward.

Consumers should also independently verify suspicious claims rather than using telephone numbers, email addresses or websites provided in the letter.

Anyone receiving a suspected scam letter can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.