Advance Fee Fraud: How It Works and How to Recover
Upfront 'fees' demanded for a promised payout that never arrives. Also known as 419 scam, inheritance scam, loan fee scam.
Free case assessmentHow the fraud works
Advance-fee fraud promises a large payout — an inheritance, lottery, loan or the release of 'held' funds — conditioned on paying upfront 'fees', 'taxes' or 'insurance'. Each payment is followed by a fresh obstacle requiring more money.
Warning signs
- A windfall you never applied for
- Repeated new fees before you can be paid
- Pressure and secrecy
- Official-looking documents with errors
- Payment by wire, crypto or gift card
Evidence to preserve
If you have been affected, gather:
- All correspondence and documents received
- Records of every fee paid
- Recipient bank or wallet details
- Names and contacts used
- Any phone numbers or emails
How victims recover funds
The primary recovery route is wire / swift recovery. An international wire recovery uses a recall message from your bank and, where needed, correspondent banks and the beneficiary bank's fraud team to freeze and return the funds.
Wired payments should be reported to your bank for a recall attempt and a fraud complaint; crypto requires tracing. The earlier funds are flagged, the better the prospects.
Advance Fee Fraud recovery by country
Select your country for the local regulator, ombudsman and recovery routes: