Established by a former federal prosecutor · 20+ years prosecutorial experience · $12.5B lost to fraud in 2024 (FTC)
The Fraud CodexScam Intelligence
Live Threats
NewPig-butchering scams estimated to have stolen $75B globallyAlertIRS impersonation scams surge this 2026 filing seasonNewFake Coinbase support calls reported nationwide
● LOW RISK

Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam

An unknown relative or foreign official has left you a fortune, and only a few advance fees stand between you and millions. The money is not real and never was — the Nigerian-prince classic in a new envelope. Every fee paid just invites the next one.

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
01

How 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
02

Warning 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
03

Real-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
04

How 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
05

What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1Stop all communication immediately
  2. 2Don't send any more money
  3. 3Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
  4. 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  5. 5If you sent money, contact your bank or wire company
  6. 6If you shared personal info, monitor your credit
Report This Scam
FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft
?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam?

An unknown relative or foreign official has left you a fortune, and only a few advance fees stand between you and millions. The money is not real and never was — the Nigerian-prince classic in a new envelope. Every fee paid just invites the next one.

What are the warning signs of Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam?

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.

How do I protect myself from Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam?

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.

What should I do if I'm a victim of Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam?

Stop all communication immediately. Don't send any more money. Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How serious is this threat?

We rate this lower risk — but it still costs people. Reported losses: Part of $301 million in prize/inheritance scams (2024). Most exposed: Email users, particularly elderly.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report Inheritance / Nigerian Prince Scam?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
  1. 01FBI: Advance Fee Fraud
  2. 02FTC: Inheritance Scams
Related Scams

Lottery / Sweepstakes Scam

You won a lottery you never entered — congratulations — but first you must pay "taxes" or "fees" to release the prize. You cannot owe fees on winnings that do not exist, and real lotteries do not bill you to collect. The prize is the bait; the fee is the whole scheme.

Think you've encountered this scam?

Use the free AI scanner to analyze suspicious messages, websites, or phone numbers.

Scan Now — It's Free