Inside the World of Inheritance Scams: Understanding the Techniques Used

The allure of an unexpected inheritance, a wealthy relative you never knew or a forgotten estate waiting to be claimed have become a powerful tool for modern fraudsters. Inheritance scams tap into this narrative, blending psychological manipulation with convincing stories to exploit unsuspecting individuals. These schemes do not only appear in email inboxes. They surface through phone calls, letters, and even social media, adopting increasingly complexed techniques. This article takes a closer look at the world of inheritance scams, examining the methods used, the psychology behind their effectiveness, and the real-world impact on victims.

What’s an Inheritance Scam

An inheritance scam is a fraudulent scheme in which a scammer contacts a potential victim, often through email, letter, or phone call claiming that the victim is the beneficiary of a large estate left by a distant relative or unknown benefactor. The scammer typically poses as a lawyer, bank official, or executor, and uses official-looking documents or convincing narratives to create credibility. Victims are then asked to pay upfront fees, provide banking information, or share sensitive personal details under the guise of releasing the inheritance funds. In reality, no such inheritance exists, and the scammer disappears after collecting money or stealing identities from those targeted.

‍

Red Flags to Watch Out

If you think a scammer is contacting you, look for these signs:

• Messages from scammers frequently include noticeable spelling and grammar errors, even within seemingly official sections like letterheads or company logos.
• Emails originating from free, public services such as Gmail or Yahoo rather than an official company or law firm domain indicate the sender is likely not affiliated with a legitimate business.
• Scammers may overwhelm recipients with various personal or official documents to appear credible, but true legal representatives would never disclose sensitive client information to strangers over the internet.
• Most offers claim the inheritance is exceptionally large, sometimes in the millions, which is designed to entice the recipient and lower their skepticism.
• The supposed bank or law firm address provided by scammers tends to be fictitious researching the address online often reveals that it doesn’t exist or matches unrelated locations.
• Victims are frequently asked to provide sensitive details, such as banking information or scanned ID documents, or are instructed to pay advance fees for “processing” or “release” costs (Practices that legitimate firms avoid).
• If the only contact information available leads to a generic email address and there is no online record of the law firm or attorney, it is a strong sign of fraud.
• Receiving news of an inheritance from someone who is entirely unknown to the recipient is a major red flag.

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

If you receive communication about a suspicious inheritance, consider these essential steps 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

There are several references you can look to learn about inheritance scams:

• "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