FAQ

In an advance fee scam, a prospective victim will be asked to provide something of value now, in exchange for something of greater value later.
Spoiler Alert
The victim will not actually receive the something of greater value later.

Question

Can you give me an example of an advance fee scam?

Answer

One example of an advance fee scam is the "Nigerian Prince scam."
A member of African royalty has a large fortune.
For some reason, he or she needs your help to get access to it.
If you pay an upfront fee, you will be richly rewarded later.
Spoiler Alert
You will not be richly rewarded later.

Question

Hmm.
That was an oldie but goodie... I guess... but can you give me an example of an advance fee scam that is currently popular with scammers?

Answer

You may still run into a Nigerian Prince, but an even more common current scam is the business upgrade scam
In a business upgrade scam, the intended victim will receive an email or other communication saying that he or she is to be paid for some product and/or service, however the payment service requires that the victim make some kind of payment to upgrade his or her account to a business account.
Spoiler Alert
Even if the victim pays the fee, he or she will not be paid for his or her product and/or service.

Recovery Scams

Question

I lost money in a scam.
Someone contacted me to say that he could recover the money that I lost!
All that he is asking for is a 10% fee.
He guarantees that if he cannot recover my crypto, he will refund the 10%.
What will happen after I pay the 10% fee?

Answer