Fake Law Firm Targets Kansas City Residents in Scam

Residents warned about fraudulent claims of unclaimed money

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:47am

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The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning Kansas City residents about a scam involving a fake law firm attempting to claim money that does not actually exist. The fraudulent firm has been contacting local residents, falsely claiming they are owed unclaimed funds and pressuring them to pay fees to receive the non-existent money.

Why it matters

Scams like this can cause significant financial harm to vulnerable residents, especially the elderly, who may fall victim to the deceptive tactics. The BBB is working to raise awareness and prevent further losses in the Kansas City community.

The details

According to the BBB, the fake law firm has been calling Kansas City residents and telling them they are owed unclaimed funds or inheritances. The scammers then demand upfront fees, typically a few hundred dollars, in order to release the supposed funds. Of course, the money does not actually exist, and residents who pay the fees lose that money with no payout.

  • The BBB began receiving reports of this scam in January 2026.

The players

Better Business Bureau

A nonprofit organization that sets standards for ethical business behavior and alerts the public about scams and fraud.

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What they’re saying

“We want to warn Kansas City residents to be very cautious of any unsolicited calls or letters claiming you are owed unclaimed money or an inheritance. These are likely scams designed to steal your money.”

— Jim Hegarty, President and CEO, BBB of Greater Kansas City

What’s next

The BBB is urging anyone who receives such a call to report it to their office and to avoid paying any upfront fees.

The takeaway

This scam is a reminder for Kansas City residents to be vigilant about unsolicited claims of unclaimed money or inheritances, as these are often attempts by fraudsters to steal personal information and funds.