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The Nigerian letter scam

Fake inheritance and lottery scams: Easy money? Not so fast

You get an unexpected message saying: “Congratulations, you’ve been chosen to receive a €10 million inheritance” or “You’ve won a lottery prize.” Even if the story sounds far-fetched, scammers know how to grab their victims' attention. They often pose as an exiled prince, a supposed heir, or a representative of a foreign lottery. But they all have the same goal: to deceive you and get your money.

Steps of the scam

How do fake inheritance and lottery scams work?

Find out how the Nigerian scam or fake prize scam works.

  1. The first contact

    It all starts with an eye-catching message sent via email, social media or WhatsApp, claiming you've inherited a fortune or won a huge prize.

    The message often includes a prestigious name, an extraordinary backstory, and a photo designed to inspire trust.

  2. Request for upfront payment

    In exchange for the supposed windfall, the scammer asks for an initial payment to cover supposed administrative fees, taxes or commissions.

    If the person agrees, the scammer makes up new excuses to keep requesting more money.

  3. Emotional manipulation

    Scammers use urgency, emotional pressure or the promise of wealth to convince the victim. Every step is carefully planned to make the scam seem more believable.

  4. End of communication

    Once the victim starts to get suspicious or refuses to pay more, the scammer disappears, and the promised money never arrives.

How to prevent scams with supposed inheritances

Keys to preventing this type of scam

  1. Warning signs

    Be wary of messages about unexpected prizes or inheritances.

  2. Confidential information

    Never share personal or banking details with unknown individuals or through unverified channels.

  3. Secure payments

    Don’t make upfront payments for vague reasons.

  4. Official channels

    Always verify information through reliable sources and official channels.

Do you think you might have been a victim of fraud?

Scams are often disguised as emergencies or threats. Be especially wary of any urgent requests for details or payments.

  • Keep calm, use your common sense.
  • And if you think you might be a victim of fraud, get in touch with CaixaBank immediately through the official channels:
  • Adviser Space.
  • By calling 938 87 25 25.
More information

Do you think you've been the victim of fraud?

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