Area authorities are alerting residents about a scam.

According to the Sedalia Police Department, the scam has surfaced in the Pettis County area.

Police say this scam involves receiving a letter from what appears to be a law firm which is representing the estate of a deceased possible distant relative. The scammer will likely portray the alleged deceased person as having the same last name as you. They will then request that you contact them through e-mail or by phone to claim the property or money. Upon contacting them, they will likely attempt to get further personal information, banking information, or they might request that you send them money for processing fees, etc.

Authorities say “Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”