Scams involving fake inheritances and lotteries

Beware of Fake Inheritance & Lottery Scams!

Getting unexpected news that you’ve inherited money or won a big prize can be exciting, but it might be a scam. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Red Flags in Communication:

You receive an email, message, or letter saying you’ve won money or inherited a fortune

They ask you to pay “processing fees,” “taxes,” or legal costs to claim the prize

They ask for personal or banking information

The sender often claims to be from a foreign law firm or organization

They urge you to act quickly and keep it “confidential”

How to Protect Yourself:

Be skeptical of any prize or inheritance you didn’t apply for or expect

Never send money to “unlock” or “release” funds

Don’t share personal or financial details with strangers

Verify the sender’s identity and check for grammatical errors or suspicious email addresses

Talk to family or a trusted advisor before taking action

If You Think You’ve Been Scammed:

Cut off all contact with the scammer

Save any messages, emails, or documents

Report it to local authorities or a cyber fraud office

Contact your bank if you’ve sent any money or shared account info

Real prizes don’t ask you to pay first. Stay cautious, and don’t let scammers cash in on your trust!