What Is a Dead Man's Wire Plot
A dead man's wire plot is a fraud scheme where a scammer tricks a victim into sending money, often by impersonating a deceased person or using their identity. The scam relies on the victim believing they are helping an estate, paying off a debt, or completing an urgent transaction tied to someone who has died.
How a Dead Man's Wire Plot Works
Fraudsters obtain personal details from public records, obituaries, or data breaches. They then contact the victim, claim to be an heir, lawyer, or bank official, and pressure them to wire funds quickly. The request is usually framed as time sensitive, secretive, or tied to a legal matter, making the victim less likely to question it.
How to Protect Yourself From Wire Fraud
Verify the identity of anyone asking for a wire transfer by contacting the bank, law firm, or family member directly through official channels. Never share personal or financial details with unsolicited callers or emails. If you suspect a dead man's wire plot, stop communication, report the request to your bank, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
