Inside the World of Inheritance Scams: Understanding the Techniques Used

Have you ever opened your inbox to find a message promising you a huge inheritance from a distant relative you never knew existed? If so, you’re not alone, these are known as inheritance scams, and they’re surprisingly common.

What’s an Inheritance Scam

In these scams, someone pretends to be a lawyer, government official, or even a long-lost family member. They claim you’re about to inherit a fortune from someone you’ve probably never heard of. The catch is, they need some personal info or even a "small fee" first. These scammers know how to make their stories sound convincing, sometimes even sending "official-looking" documents that, if you take a closer look, are full of errors or strange details.

Common Tricks Scammers Use

• Scammers want you to get excited, nervous, or rushed so you don’t question their story.
• The documents look impressive, but the fine print usually gives them away.
• They’ll ask for private information (like your bank account number or ID), or convince you to pay upfront charges to transfer the money.

Red Flags to Watch Out

• Emails start with "Dear Beneficiary" instead of your real name. Real legal messages are personalized.
• They push you to act immediately or risk "losing the inheritance." Legitimate matters always take time.
• Huge sums of money from someone you don’t know? Always be cautious.

What Could Go Wrong

Severe consequences may happen to the victims such as:

• You may lose money or share your account details with criminals.
• Scammers use your info for other fraud, sometimes making your financial life much harder.
• In worst cases, victims can even get involved in illegal activity without realizing it.
• These experiences can make you distrust of legitimate online communications or institutions in the future.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify everything: If you get a message like this, double-check with family or trusted professionals before responding.
• Consult a lawyer: Don’t send money or information until an expert confirms the claim is real.
• Don’t reply to unsolicited messages: Legitimate inheritance processes never start with a surprise email from someone you don’t know.
• Stay informed: Knowing what scam tactics look like is one of your best defenses.

Want to Learn More

• "Inheritance Hijackers: Who Wants to Steal Your Inheritance and How to Protect It" by Robert C. Adamski
• Inheritance Scams: How You Can Spot the Warning Signs
• Action Fraud - Inheritance Fraud
• Two Businessmen Fell for Inheritance Scam and Lost $2M
• "Scam Me If You Can: Simple Strategies to Outsmart Today's Rip-off Artists" by Frank Abagnale