Inheritance/Prize Pay‑Out Banking Details Scam
Unsolicited emails or letters claim you are due a large inheritance, “recovered funds,” or a prize. The message uses official‑looking logos and a reference number to appear real, then asks for your bank account details to “process the pay‑out.” After you reply, scammers often ask for upfront fees (tax, transfer, or clearance charges) or try to use your information for fraud.
How this scam works
- 1
Step 1: You receive an unexpected message saying you were chosen for an inheritance, recovered fund, or prize pay‑out.
- 2
Step 2: An attachment or letterhead shows an official‑sounding agency, a reference number, and a big amount to make it look legitimate.
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Step 3: You are told to send your banking details (Bank name, Account number, Account name, Branch/SWIFT) and sometimes ID copies.
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Step 4: Once you respond, they add pressure and request ‘processing’ or ‘release’ fees, or they attempt to move money through your account.
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Step 5: If you pay or share details, you may lose money and risk identity theft or becoming a money mule.
✓ Do this
- Be skeptical of any unexpected pay‑out or inheritance notice—real ones don’t ask for fees by email.
- Verify independently: contact your bank using the number on your card or their official website, not numbers in the email.
- Protect your bank details like you would your Social Security/ID number.
✗ Avoid this
- Do not send bank account details, ID copies, or personal information to unknown senders.
- Do not pay any ‘release’ or ‘transfer’ fees, taxes, or buy gift cards to receive funds.
- Do not click links or open attachments from strangers claiming you’ve won money.
- Do not call or text phone numbers listed in the message.
Quick tip: Verify independently
Don’t call numbers or click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official site or app and contact support from there.