High riskRomance & Dating Scams

Inheritance Romance Scam

In this scam, an online partner claims to have a large inheritance or fortune they will share with you, but needs your help paying fees, taxes, or transfer costs to unlock it, which never ends.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Romance + advance-fee
Main red flag
A partner promising to share an inheritance if you help pay fees to release it.
What to do first
Do not pay any fees; a real inheritance is not unlocked by your payments.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, an online partner claims to have a large inheritance or fortune they will share with you, but needs your help paying fees, taxes, or transfer costs to unlock it, which never ends.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'I've inherited a fortune we can share, but I need you to pay the transfer fees and taxes to release it first.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A promise to share an inheritance or fortune
  • Requests to pay fees, taxes, or transfer costs
  • Escalating costs to 'finally' release the money
  • Avoidance of meeting in person or on video
  • Pressure and promises of a shared future

What to do

  • Do not pay fees to release someone's 'inheritance'
  • Be aware this is a classic advance-fee romance scam
  • Verify identity and refuse escalating requests
  • Report the profile and block the account

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop paying, especially 'one final' fee
  • If you paid, contact your bank or payment provider
  • Keep messages as evidence and report it
  • Seek support from people you trust

What not to do

  • Do not pay fees or taxes to unlock a 'fortune'
  • Do not send gift cards or crypto
  • Do not believe escalating 'almost there' promises

Similar scams

Medium risk Email

Inheritance Scam

This scam emails you out of the blue claiming you are the beneficiary of a large inheritance or unclaimed estate, often from a distant relative or stranger, then asks for fees, bank details, or documents to 'release' the money that never exists.
High risk Romance

Widow Romance Scam

In this scam, a fraudster adopts a grieving widow or widower persona to win sympathy and trust, then asks for money for hardship, debts, or to access a late spouse's funds.
High risk Social Media

Romance Scam DM

This scam builds an online romantic relationship through messages, then invents an emergency or investment to ask for money, while always avoiding meeting in person.

Frequently asked questions

Could the inheritance be real?
No. A genuine inheritance is not released by you paying fees or taxes to a partner. Endless 'release' costs are a hallmark of advance-fee romance scams.
Why do the fees keep increasing?
Each payment is followed by a new 'final' fee. The money does not exist, and the requests continue as long as you pay.
I paid some fees. What now?
Stop paying, contact your bank or payment provider, keep evidence, report the profile, and confide in someone you trust.
How do I respond to such an offer?
Treat any promise to share a fortune in exchange for fees as a scam, refuse to pay, and verify the person's identity.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.