Advance Fee Fraud
Advance Fee Fraud is a financial scam where a victim is asked to pay an upfront fee to access a promised larger sum of money, typically in the form of a lottery win, inheritance, or investment opportunity. The scammer convinces the victim that this fee is necessary for processing, taxes, or legal reasons. Once the fee is paid, the scammer often disappears, and the promised money never materializes. It preys on people's hopes and trust, making it important to be cautious of unsolicited offers that require payment before receiving any benefits.
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Advance-fee fraud is a type of scam where a person is persuaded to pay money upfront for a promised benefit that never materializes. Typically, the fraudster convinces the victim that they will receive a large sum of money, such as an inheritance or investment return, but first, they must pay a fee—often for taxes, legal fees, or processing. Once the payment is made, the scammer usually disappears, leaving the victim with financial loss and no promised funds. This type of fraud can occur through emails, phone calls, or in person.