Scam warning
Surprise Inheritance
An email, letter or call from a “lawyer” or “banker” in another country says a long-lost relative, or a stranger with your last name, died and left you a fortune. To release it, you must pay legal fees, taxes or transfer costs.
Also called: Inheritance scam, Nigerian prince scam, Advance fee scam, 419 scam
The one thing to remember
Real inheritances don't require you to pay fees upfront to strangers. You won't hear about one first by email from abroad.
How it happens
- A message arrives from a lawyer, bank officer or official overseas.
- They say a relative or stranger with your last name left millions with no other heirs.
- They send official-looking documents with stamps and seals.
- They ask for fees, taxes or your bank details. More fees keep coming.
Warning signs
- Money from a relative you've never heard of.
- A lawyer or bank in another country contacting you out of the blue.
- Fees or taxes you must pay before you get the money.
- Requests to keep it confidential.
What to do
- Don't reply and don't send money or documents.
- If you truly think a relative died, ask a local lawyer you choose yourself.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Last checked: October 31, 2026