How is this scam worked?

Question

I have been contacted by someone claiming that I can have a share of a bank account which was owned by a client who died and did not have a will. I stated that I would open a bank account with a minimum balance of $5 and he could go ahead and sent the finds into that account. It seems that he wishes to continue with the transaction which would almost certainly be a scam but i am unable to see at this stage as to what he can scam me for. Any advice please?

? · Accepted Answer

It works by getting you to pay out for bogus fees to process the money ito your account.  If you fall for the first payment, the next will be larger and for something else, courier fees or customs clearance.  It goes on and on until you either run out of money or click that you are being scammed.  You are always asked to send the money by Western Union or Money Gram.  Even at this stage people do not question why money would be sent by this method when you are supposedly dealing with a bank.

As they say - if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck!

Of course, you never get the money, there never was any money or any bank account or client who died without a will.  Just a Nigerian pretending to be based in the UK laughing all the way to the bank with your money.

A couple of months later you will be contacted again by an official sounding organisation offering you help to get your money back from the scammer or compensation from the government.  Again, there will be a fee to pay, or courier fees for the money to be sent to you and so on and on it goes.

Alan G · Answer

BE VERY CAREFUL!!!!
Your personal details are valuable and can be used for 'identity theft'.

If you continue, you will probably get a very plausible reason as to why you have to send an amount of money so as to cover 'administration fees'. Don't be blinded by the amount 'on offer'.

Just remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Anonymous · Answer

once a person has your name and address he can take anything he wants from you and it doesn't just have to be financial/ financial identity theft is only 20 percent of the problem the other 80 percent the public knows nothing about

Anonymous · Answer

how can you believe this bull!! when someone dies they dont just raffle away theyre money thats stupid, not sure what he can scam you for but im 100% sure its a scam, he will take your $5 and if he can leave a negative balance leaving you owing money

Anonymous · Answer

advice? delete the email

? · Answer

if its too good to be true it is so....

How is this scam worked?

6 Answers