International inheritance fraud scheme resulted in prison sentence and restitution order.
A Nigerian man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison after playing a central role in a long-running inheritance fraud scheme that targeted older adults across the United States. The case brings renewed attention to how carefully written letters and false promises can cause serious financial harm, especially to people living on fixed incomes or facing isolation.
Court records show the man was part of an overseas group that spent years sending letters to people across the country. These letters claimed that the recipient was entitled to a large inheritance tied to a distant or unknown relative who had died overseas. The letters were designed to look official and personal, often using formal language and bank-style formatting to appear trustworthy. Many recipients believed the claims were real and responded, hoping the sudden money would bring relief or stability.
Once contact was made, the group told victims that money was required before the inheritance could be released. The reasons varied and included fees for paperwork, taxes, transfer costs, or delivery charges. Victims were often told these payments were standard and refundable. In reality, no inheritance existed. Each payment led to another request, creating a cycle that drained savings over time.
Authorities say the scheme ran for more than seven years and affected hundreds of people. Many victims sent repeated payments, sometimes emptying retirement accounts or borrowing funds to cover the fees. The total losses reached well over six million dollars. For many, the damage went beyond money, leaving emotional distress, shame, and a loss of trust that lasted long after the fraud ended.
The man was arrested overseas in 2025 and later brought to the United States to face charges. He admitted guilt to crimes involving mail and electronic communications. A federal judge sentenced him to 97 months in prison, followed by supervised release after incarceration. The court also ordered him to repay millions of dollars to victims, though officials acknowledge that full recovery is often difficult in cases involving international fraud.
This sentencing is part of a larger effort by U.S. and international authorities to address cross-border fraud operations. Investigators from several countries worked together to track the money, identify participants, and secure arrests. Other members of the group have already been convicted in related cases. Officials say the cooperation between agencies was key in stopping the scheme and holding those involved accountable.
Inheritance fraud remains one of the most common scams aimed at older adults. Criminals often rely on letters rather than phone calls or emails, believing printed mail feels more official and less suspicious. These messages are usually written to appear respectful and formal, which can make them convincing to recipients who are unfamiliar with modern scam tactics.
Law enforcement officials stress that legitimate inheritances do not require upfront payments. Banks and courts do not ask individuals to send money to receive funds owed to them. Any request for fees before releasing an inheritance is a warning sign. Officials encourage people to speak with family members, attorneys, or trusted advisors before responding to unexpected financial claims.
To support victims, the federal government operates a hotline specifically for older adults affected by financial fraud. Trained staff help callers understand what happened, discuss next steps, and connect with agencies that can accept reports. Early reporting can help investigators trace funds and may improve the chance of recovering losses.
Officials say this case serves as a reminder that fraud schemes can be sophisticated and patient, often unfolding over months or years. While the sentencing brings some closure, authorities continue to urge caution and awareness, especially among those most often targeted. Education, communication, and timely reporting remain the strongest tools in preventing similar crimes from succeeding in the future.
Sources:
Nigerian faces 20 years in US prison after extradition from Poland on fraud charges
Join the conversation!