When a promise of easy money turns into an advance-fee scam
Wouldn’t it be nice to come into a large sum of money without any effort? This is the hope that criminals exploit in advance-fee scams promising fake inheritances. What begins as a surprising opportunity, however, does not end in a payout, but in a constant stream of demands for fees, taxes or supposed costs – all for a promised fortune that does not actually exist.
In advance-fee scams involving fake inheritances, victims usually receive a message claiming they are the heir to a large sum of money. The prospect of an unexpected windfall can cause people to ignore the warning signs. Advance-fee scams often involve large sums of money, use official-sounding language or create seemingly plausible stories. If you respond, you will not receive a payout, but an ever-growing list of demands for fees, taxes or costs.
Check whether the story is credible
Information should be scrutinised with a critical eye, even if it seems appealing or credible at first glance. Particular caution is required when it comes to inheritance. You will never be required to pay advance fees or taxes in order to receive an inheritance. These amounts are usually billed separately at a later stage. If you are unexpectedly asked to transfer money in advance, you should therefore be particularly sceptical.
Do not pay anything and stop all contact
If you have already responded to a message of this kind, you should stop all contact immediately and make no payments whatsoever. Every interaction increases the risk of you being put under further pressure or becoming embroiled in new ruses or payment demands. Advance-fee scams rely on drawing victims deeper into the story, step by step.
Personal data can also be misused
There are other risks besides potential payments. The NCSC warns that any personal data you disclose can also be misused for further fraudulent activities. If you respond to a fake inheritance message, you are not just risking immediate financial loss – you could also encounter further problems if your personal details are misused.
Act quickly if you have already paid
If you have already made a payment, the NCSC recommends contacting your bank immediately. In some cases, it may still be possible to stop the payment. If you have already suffered financial loss, the NCSC also advises reporting the matter to your local police. Acting quickly can be crucial to preventing further damage and improving your chances of recovering your money.
Dealing with unexpected promises safely may require a little more vigilance. However, this effort is crucial for your money, data and cybersecurity. Large sums of money and official-sounding language can seem believable at first glance, which makes critical thinking particularly vital.
This year’s S-U-P-E-R.ch awareness campaign explains why not every big promise is genuine and how you can protect yourself against fraud.