Back to Inheritance/Prize Pay‑Out Banking Details Scam

This is a version of Inheritance/Prize Pay‑Out Banking Details Scam.

Wells Fargo 'Inheritance Payment' Scam

An email pretends to be from Wells Fargo, claiming you have a $15.5 million “inheritance” ready to be released by ATM Visa card. It pressures you to reply quickly or the “transaction will be canceled,” and asks you to reconfirm personal details (full name, delivery address, mobile, WhatsApp). The message is sent from a free Gmail address and uses awkward wording and a fake executive name. If someone replies, scammers typically follow up asking for fees or more personal information.

Wells Fargo 'Inheritance Payment' Scam | Primary Image

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

  1. Impersonates Wells Fargo but uses a free Gmail sender (bassicoco36@gmail.com) instead of @wellsfargo.com

  2. Promises a huge “inheritance” of $15.5 million to lure a quick reply

  3. Claims funds are “channeled through an ATM VISA CARD” to sound official

  4. Pushes urgency and guilt by threatening to cancel if the recipient doesn’t respond

  5. Requests personal details (full name, delivery address, mobile, WhatsApp)

  6. Poor grammar and odd capitalization, plus a fake executive name

  7. Lists a U.S. mailing address to seem legitimate

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: You receive an unexpected message saying you were chosen for an inheritance, recovered fund, or prize pay‑out.

  2. 2

    Step 2: An attachment or letterhead shows an official‑sounding agency, a reference number, and a big amount to make it look legitimate.

  3. 3

    Step 3: You are told to send your banking details (Bank name, Account number, Account name, Branch/SWIFT) and sometimes ID copies.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Once you respond, they add pressure and request ‘processing’ or ‘release’ fees, or they attempt to move money through your account.

  5. 5

    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.

Verbatim excerpts from the scam

Exact lines from emails or messages—searchable text so you can compare wording.

  1. 1 Excerpt 1
    WELLS FARGO BANK, <bassicoco36@gmail.com> wrote: WELCOME TO WELLS FARGO BANK 1239 BAY AREA BLVD. #205 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058 USA United States Good Day Honorable Beneficiary· Greetings from the Wells Fargo bank. This is the second time we are sending you this mail in regards to your fund inheritance payment in our custody. Does it mean that you are no longer interested in making the claim of your outstanding fund US $15.5 million US Dollars, of yours which have successful channel through ATM VISA CARD and up till this moment you have decided to remain silent after I have personally taken an Oath for you to secure this fund. With all due respect, if you really know that you are no more interested in making this claim of your outstanding fund of yours kindly update me now to cancel this transaction since your negative thought does not allow you to believe in the reality so send me a declaration letter stated that you are no longer interested in making the claim so that I will cancel the transaction. What makes you think that you will not secure your fund and have Access of the fund as Beneficiary Furthermore, Reconfirm the following information Full Name...... Current delivery address.. Mobile phone number... WhaatsAPP number.... Yours in service. Mr,Ignatius J George CEO WELLS FARGO BANK CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY

Screenshots & Examples