LOW RISK
Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam
Emails claiming you've inherited money from an unknown relative or foreign dignitary, requiring fees to release the funds.
Losses: Part of $301 million in prize/inheritance scams (2024)
Targets: Email users, particularly elderly
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: 419 Scam • Nigerian Letter Scam • Advance Fee Fraud • Foreign Money Scam
1How It Works
One of the oldest email scams, still claiming victims today:
**Classic version:**
"I am the widow of a Nigerian prince/minister/businessman who left $10 million. You share his surname and may be entitled to his fortune. I need your help transferring the money."
**Modern versions:**
- Unclaimed inheritance from distant relative
- Locked funds that need your help to release
- Gold or diamonds that need to be smuggled out
- Lottery/sweepstakes you never entered
**The hook:**
To receive your share (often 30-40% of millions), you must pay:
- Attorney fees
- Bribes to officials
- Transfer taxes
- Certificate fees
Each payment leads to requests for more.
How Scammers Make Contact
EmailSocial media messages
2Warning Signs & Red Flags
- Unsolicited email about unexpected inheritance
- Message from foreign country, often Nigeria, UK, or Spain
- Sender is stranger or uses fake identity
- Large sum of money involved (millions)
- Must pay fees to receive funds
- Urgency and secrecy emphasized
- Poor grammar and suspicious email domain
- Requests personal and banking information
3Real-World Example
"I received an email that my great uncle had died in South Africa leaving $4.5 million. A 'lawyer' helped me start the transfer process. Over two years, I paid $110,000 in fees, taxes, and bribes. There was always one more fee. The inheritance didn't exist. I never got anything."
— FBI Internet Crime Report
4How to Protect Yourself
- Delete unsolicited emails about inheritances or money transfers
- Never send money to receive money
- Don't share personal or banking information
- Real inheritances are handled through verified legal channels
- Research any claims independently
- Be suspicious of any too-good-to-be-true offers
- Don't respond, even to say no — it confirms your email is active
5What To Do If You're a Victim
- 1Stop all communication immediately
- 2Don't send any more money
- 3Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
- 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 5If you sent money, contact your bank or wire company
- 6If you shared personal info, monitor your credit
Report This Scam
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam?
Emails claiming you've inherited money from an unknown relative or foreign dignitary, requiring fees to release the funds. One of the oldest email scams, still claiming victims today:
**Classic version:**
"I am the widow of a Nigerian prince/minister/businessman who left $10 million. You share his surname and may be entitled to his fortune. I need your help transferring the money."
**Modern versions:**
- Unclaimed inh...
How common is this type of scam?
Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam is classified as a low risk threat. Reported losses: Part of $301 million in prize/inheritance scams (2024). This primarily targets Email users, particularly elderly.
Can I get my money back?
Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report this?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
Related Scams
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