Advance Fee Scams
Promises of a large payout — inheritance, prize, contract or fund — that require fees paid upfront first.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
An advance-fee scam promises a large sum — a prize, inheritance, grant, or business windfall — but says you must pay fees, taxes or charges first. The payout never comes.
How it works
You receive notice of money owed to you. To 'release' it, you must pay processing fees, legal costs or taxes. Each payment unlocks another demand. The classic '419' or inheritance variants use officials, lawyers or bankers to add credibility.
Common red flags
- A windfall you didn't expect or enter
- Fees required before you receive anything
- Officials or lawyers pressing for secrecy and speed
- Requests escalate after each payment
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
You are the beneficiary of a [amount] estate. To release funds, remit a [amount] legal fee to [account].
Payment methods used
- Bank transfer
- Money transfer
- Gift cards
- Cryptocurrency
Who is usually targeted
- General public
- Older adults
- Small business owners
What to do immediately
- Stop paying and cease contact
- Do not send ID or bank details
- Report to your national fraud service
Evidence to preserve
- All correspondence
- Payment records
- Any 'official' documents
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Why do these scams still work?
They cast a wide net and rely on hope and authority. The fees are small relative to the promised payout, which makes paying 'just one more' feel rational — exactly the trap.