Cybercriminals continue to innovate their methods, preying on unsuspecting victims with increasingly deceptive tactics. One such scam that has been making the rounds is the “Claim Inheritance Money” email fraud.
Threat Summary Table
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | “Claim Inheritance Money” spam email |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Recipient has been left 5 million USD in a will. |
| Symptoms | Unauthorized purchases, changed passwords, identity theft, unauthorized access. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive emails, rogue pop-ups, search engine poisoning, misspelled domains. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft. |
| Danger Level | High |
| Ransom Note File Name | Not applicable (scam delivered via email). |
| Associated Email Addresses | Varies, typically generic or suspicious-sounding addresses. |
| Detection Names | Identified by anti-malware tools as phishing or scam. |
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Detailed Overview of the “Claim Inheritance Money” Scam
How the Scam Works
The scam email, often titled "CLAIM OF INHERITANCE" or similar, claims that the recipient has inherited $5,000,000 due to sharing a last name with the deceased. This email asserts legitimacy by referencing a supposed will stipulating that anyone with the same surname as the deceased is entitled to the fortune. However, these claims are entirely fabricated.
The scam’s goal is to extract sensitive personal and financial information from victims. Scammers may:
- Direct victims to phishing sites disguised as login or registration pages.
- Request scans or photos of IDs, passports, or other personal documents.
- Solicit direct payments for fabricated fees, taxes, or bills.
Victims who fall for this scam risk significant consequences, including identity theft, financial losses, and privacy breaches.
Example Email Text
Below is a typical message found in the “Claim Inheritance Money” spam email:
Subject: CLAIM OF INHERITANCE
Hello,
I want you to claim an inheritance money valued at USD5,000,000.00 (Five Million USD) which is an inheritance money.
This claim is legitimate because you have the same surname identity with the deceased who passed away a year ago.
The deceased has mandated the bank that in an event of his death the above-mentioned money should be transferred to anyone who has the same surname identity with him.
This is the reason I am contacting you and urging you to reply as soon as possible so I can link you up with the lawyer in charge of the deceased WILL.
Yours faithfully,
Renaard SjaakRemoval Guide: SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful anti-malware tool capable of identifying and removing phishing threats like the “Claim Inheritance Money” scam. Follow these steps for a comprehensive cleanup:
- Download and Install SpyHunter: Download the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the program.
- Perform a Full System Scan
- Open SpyHunter.
- Click on "Start Scan" to initiate a comprehensive system scan.
- Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take several minutes.
- Review Detected Threats
- Examine the list of detected items.
- Look for entries related to phishing emails, browser hijackers, or suspicious attachments.
- Remove Identified Threats
- Click "Fix Threats" to remove all detected items.
- Restart your computer to finalize the removal process.
- Enable Real-Time Protection: Activate real-time protection within SpyHunter to prevent future infections.
Preventive Measures
To avoid falling victim to scams like “Claim Inheritance Money,” consider the following best practices:
- Be Cautious with Emails
- Avoid opening emails from unknown senders.
- Do not click on links or download attachments in unsolicited emails.
- Verify Claims
- If you receive unexpected financial claims, verify their authenticity through official channels.
- Contact the organization or individual directly using verified contact details.
- Use Security Tools
- Install reputable anti-malware software like SpyHunter.
- Enable firewalls and other security features on your devices.
- Practice Good Password Hygiene
- Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
- Change passwords regularly and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
- Educate Yourself
- Stay informed about common scams and phishing tactics.
- Share knowledge with friends and family to help protect them.
Remove annoying malware threats like this one in seconds!
Scan Your Computer for Free with SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter now, and scan your computer for this and other cybersecurity threats for free!
