Victim Email Scams

Recently the NTSB has received inquiries from citizens who report receiving emails that claim a long lost relative or coworker had been involved in a commercial plane crash or other major transportation disaster. The email states there is a sizeable amount of money either from a bank account or insurance policy and the recipient of the email is the rightful owner or designated beneficiary.

These emails will contain a link to a newspaper article with the names of the passenger and crew killed. The email will also usually include the requirement to contact an attorney who is located out of the country or the bank account is located in a foreign bank.

These emails are a scam. The National Transportation Safety Board is working with federal law enforcement officials to locate those responsible for these emails.

Please do not respond to these emails.