419 advance-fee / inheritance scam: how it works, warning signs and what to do

Social engineering · médio

A message from a supposed banker, lawyer or official says you are entitled to an inheritance, a contract payment or a fortune stuck abroad, or asks for help moving it in exchange for a share. To release the money you must send personal details and pay fees.

Consumer protection authorities describe how the story evolves: new "officials" appear, sometimes someone claiming to be from the FBI or a central bank, saying earlier contacts were impostors and offering an even larger sum, provided you pay more fees. Action Fraud lists inheritance fraud and the 419 letter as types of advance fee fraud, where the upfront payment never produces the promised money.

Sinais / Signs

Unexpected notice of an inheritance or fortune owed to you
Fees required to release the money
Requests for personal and bank details
Messages from supposed officials that change the story
Promised sums that grow over time

Prevenção / Prevention

Ignore requests for money tied to unexpected inheritances
Don't call or reply to contacts given in the message
Confirm any inheritance with a lawyer you choose
Never send documents to strangers
Remember legitimate inheritances don't require upfront payments to strangers

O que fazer / What to do

Stop paying and cut contact
Tell your bank if you sent money or details
Report to Action Fraud (UK), the FTC/IC3 (US) or local police
Watch for "recovery" offers for the money

FAQ

I got an email from the "FBI" saying the case is real. Now what?

Messages from fake officials are part of this scam's script. Don't reply or pay.

Does this scam still work today?

Yes. Action Fraud still lists inheritance and 419 fraud among advance fee fraud types.

Action Fraud - Advance fee fraud · WA ScamNet - Advance fee fraud using fake FBI contacts · Get Safe Online - Advance fee frauds