Medium riskEmail Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Advance-fee scam
Main red flag
An unexpected email promising you a large inheritance from someone you do not know, with a fee or your bank details needed to release it.
What to do first
Do not reply or send any money or documents. Treat any unexpected inheritance offer from a stranger as suspicious.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Dear Beneficiary, our late client shared your surname and left an estate of US$8.5 million with no heir. To release these funds we require a processing fee and your bank details. Reply urgently: [suspicious link]'

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

  • An unexpected email about an inheritance from a relative or stranger you have never heard of
  • A request for an upfront fee to cover taxes, legal costs, or transfer charges
  • A request for your bank details, passport copy, or signed documents early on
  • A very large sum offered with little or no proof or paperwork you can verify
  • Pressure to act urgently and to keep the matter confidential

What to do

  • Do not reply, send money, or share any personal or banking details
  • Treat large windfalls from unknown senders as a common advance-fee scam pattern
  • Search online for phrases from the email, as scam templates are often reused
  • Report the email to your provider's phishing tool and to your national anti-fraud centre

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter banking details or upload identity documents on any linked page
  • If you shared bank details, contact your bank to flag your account
  • If you sent a fee, contact your bank or payment provider right away to try to stop it
  • Watch your accounts for unexpected charges or follow-up contact

What not to do

  • Do not pay any 'release', 'tax', or 'legal' fee to receive a promised inheritance
  • Do not send copies of your passport, ID, or signed forms
  • Do not keep replying to negotiate or 'verify' the claim

Similar scams

Medium risk Text Message

Lottery Winner Scam

This scam tells you that you have won a lottery or prize draw you never entered, then asks for an upfront fee, tax payment, or personal details to release the supposed winnings.
High risk Government & Tax

Government Grant Scam

This scam uses a message, call, or social media post claiming you qualify for a free government grant, then asks for a processing fee or your bank details to 'release' money that does not actually exist.
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 a real inheritance ever come by email like this?
Genuine estates are normally handled by identifiable solicitors and rarely begin with an unexpected mass email from a stranger. An out-of-the-blue inheritance offer asking for fees is a common scam pattern.
Why do they ask for a small fee first?
This is the core of an advance-fee scam. The promised fortune does not exist, so scammers profit by collecting 'release' fees and details, often asking for more once you pay.
They knew my surname, so is it genuine?
Surnames are easy to find or guess and are used to make the email feel personal. A matching name is not proof that any inheritance exists.
How can I report an inheritance scam email?
Use your email provider's report-phishing option, then report it to your national anti-fraud or cybercrime centre. Avoid replying, even to tell them to stop.

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.