Advance Fee Scams in Rwanda
How advance fee fraud targets Rwandans through fake government grants, business-deal notifications, and inheritance claims.
Part of: Advance Fee Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Advance fee scams reach Rwanda via email, SMS, and WhatsApp. Victims are told they are eligible for a government development grant, have been selected as a partner in a lucrative business deal, or are the beneficiary of an inheritance from an unknown relative. Fees are demanded before the promised funds are released — and the promised funds never arrive.
Rwanda's growing business environment and government development programmes create a plausible backdrop for grant and contract-related advance fee stories.
How this scam works on Rwanda
A Rwandan resident receives an email or message claiming they have been selected for a government business-development grant or identified as a beneficiary of an international fund. A representative explains the process and the first fee required — legal clearance, bank processing, or insurance.
After each payment a new requirement is introduced. Victims who resist are told their application is almost complete and stopping now would mean losing funds already invested.
Common red flags
- Notification of a grant or business deal from an unknown source via unsolicited message
- Any fee required before the funds are accessible
- Representative not verifiable through official Rwanda Development Board or government channels
- New fees after every payment
- Instructions to keep the transaction confidential
How to protect yourself
- No legitimate Rwandan government grant requires recipients to pay fees upfront
- Verify any claim through the Rwanda Development Board or the relevant ministry using officially published contacts
- Consult an independent Rwandan attorney before paying anything related to a business opportunity
- Stop all payments at the first fee request
How to report it
- Report to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau with all evidence
- Notify the Rwanda Development Board if government grants were impersonated
- Contact your bank or mobile-money provider immediately if a transfer was made
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a Rwanda Development Board grant is genuine?
The Rwanda Development Board publishes its programmes on its official website and communicates through verified official channels. Genuine grants do not require applicants to pay fees to receive funds. If a grant notification arrives unsolicited by email or WhatsApp and requests payment, it is fraudulent — contact the RDB directly using their published contact details to verify.