{"success":true,"data":{"id":"fake-inheritance-estate-attorney-advance-fee-scam","label":"Fake inheritance / estate attorney advance-fee scam — you are next of kin to a deceased stranger with millions + provide bank account details + pay legal/transfer/tax fee to release funds","description":"Nigerian 419 / advance-fee fraud — one of the oldest online scams, named after Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. A \"barrister,\" \"bank official,\" or \"UN compensation officer\" contacts the victim by email claiming they are the rightful heir to millions held in a deceased stranger's dormant account, or that they've won a lottery or UN compensation award. To release the funds, the victim must pay escalating \"legal fees,\" \"transfer taxes,\" \"documentation fees,\" or \"tax clearance certificates\" ($200–$1,751+ per payment). The money is never released — each fee payment reveals a new requirement. The scam often includes requests for the victim's bank account details and ID. The \"next of kin\" claim is designed to feel both plausible and flattering. FBI IC3 2024: advance-fee fraud caused $107M in losses in the US alone.","tier":"danger","category":"scam","isThin":false}}