Most of us have probably received some scam email at one time or another asking us for money. The “Nigerian Prince Scam” was a popular one for many years and is still running its course. These scam email solicitations typically ask for advance fees, wire transfers or funds to take care of emergencies. In return for your generous donation, the sender promises to return your fees and provide compensation for your time and generosity. Unfortunately, many become unsuspecting victims of these email scams. The overnight Will hoax is similar to the Nigerian Prince solicitation but is somewhat more recent. In this hoax, an unsuspecting recipient receives an email requesting assistance to collect an inheritance. The email sender explains his or her predicament in an email and states that because of the conditions placed in a Will (typically a parent’s Will), he or she cannot collect an inheritance without a spouse. According to the terms of the fake Will, an unmarried child cannot claim a large inheritance because of the condition placed in the Will.

In exchange for your agreement to stand in as the husband or wife for the young person in distress, you will receive a handsome reward of a share of the estate! Do not fall for this solicitation. Be sure you do not respond to the email by sending personal or financial information.