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What to do if…
a lawyer or claims company contacts you after a death and you are unsure whether to respond

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

End the call or stop replying. Do not share information, click links, or sign anything until you have kept the message and verified the person or company through contact details you found independently.

Do not do these things

  • Do not give your Social Security number, bank details, copies of ID, or death-related documents during an unexpected contact.
  • Do not sign a retainer, authorization, fee agreement, or claim form while you feel rushed, numb, or confused.
  • Do not click links or open attachments in an unexpected message about the death.
  • Do not assume a contact is genuine because they know the person’s name or mention an obituary, funeral home, court, probate process, or government office.
  • Do not pay a processing fee, release fee, court fee, or tax during an unexpected contact about receiving an inheritance.
  • Do not agree to keep the contact secret.
  • Do not make a same-day decision because someone pressures you to act immediately.

What to do now

  1. End the live contact. Say: “I’m not able to discuss this now. Please send the details in writing. I will respond after I verify them.” Then hang up or stop replying.
  2. Keep the message and note the details. Save the letter, voicemail, email, or text. Write down the person’s name, company or firm name, phone number, email address, mailing address, and what they asked you to do.
  3. Ask for a written explanation only if you choose to reply. Ask what the matter is, why they contacted you, where they got your details, what fees they propose, and what they want you to sign.
  4. Check any lawyer claim independently. Find the lawyer-licensing agency for the state where the person says they are licensed. Use that agency’s lookup or contact route to check whether the person is licensed and permitted to practice. Do not rely on a link or phone number sent by the caller.
  5. Check any insurance-related claim independently. If the person describes themselves as a public adjuster, claims helper, or insurance professional, contact your state insurance department to ask whether licensing applies to that role and to verify any claimed license.
  6. Call any funeral home separately. Use a number from existing funeral-home paperwork or a number you already know. Do not use the number in the unexpected message.
  7. Use a simple pause message if you feel overwhelmed. Say: “I’m grieving and not making decisions today. Please send the information in writing.”
  8. Report a suspected scam. Use the FTC fraud-reporting route or the USAGov where-to-report-a-scam tool. If you shared sensitive personal or financial information, use IdentityTheft.gov. If you sent money or shared payment details, contact your bank, card issuer, or payment company promptly.
  9. Let someone you trust screen the contact. Ask a trusted person to read the message first, or take it to an attorney you choose independently.

What can wait

  • You do not need to choose a lawyer or claims company during an unexpected call.
  • You do not need to send documents while someone is pressuring you.
  • You do not need to keep answering calls. You can ask for written communication.
  • You do not need to decide whether the contact is genuine immediately. Ask for written details and check whether any deadline exists before taking further steps.

Important reassurance

Pausing is a reasonable protective step. Unexpected contacts can arrive when you are grieving, and knowing details about the death does not prove that a person or company is legitimate.

Scope note

These are first steps to slow the situation down, reduce risk, and check who contacted you. Later decisions about an estate, insurance matter, or claim may need help from a professional you choose independently.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Rules and processes vary by state. Check any claimed deadline or required action through an independent source.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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