Something is fishy in the realm of social media. It is a story that is repeated too often, that is too well known to be real anymore. It's the story of seriously ill people who apparently want nothing more than to give away their fortune to a complete stranger. And this time the drama appears in the Facebook groups.
These and similar comments are:

It is a story of false hope and false pity that ends in only one consequence: loss and disappointment. But what exactly happens? And how can we protect ourselves from it?
Nasty scam on Facebook
The Facebook post comes from a stranger, often with a dramatic story. A person who is supposedly dying, suffering from a devastating illness, or who has already died wants nothing more than to inherit his or her assets. She is looking for a worthy recipient, someone who will do good with her money.
Fact check: Table 1
| claim | Fact check |
|---|---|
| A terminally ill woman wants to give away her fortune. | This claim is usually part of a scam. There is no evidence of the truth of this claim. |
| She contacts you via Facebook. | While you can be contacted on Facebook, a terminally ill woman is unlikely to choose random strangers for her legacy. |
| A lawyer will handle your transaction. | This is a trick to create credibility. The “lawyer” is often part of the scam. |
| You have to pay fees to receive the money. | This is a typical sign of advance fee fraud. You should never pay money to receive money. |
These scammers package their message with a wave of emotions. And once the noose is snapped, the game only becomes more complicated and dangerous.
The bait and the hook
The offer sounds tempting and pitiful, but there is always a catch. The lawyer shows up and starts explaining the terms. To the unsuspecting recipient, it looks like a legal process.
Fact check: Table 2
| claim | Fact check |
|---|---|
| The lawyer provides an official document. | The document is often fake and only serves to make the fraud appear more realistic. |
| You have to pay a fee to receive the money. | This is a classic advance fee scam. In reality, the promised money is never paid out. |
| The money will be sent to you after you pay the fee. | That's wrong. In most cases, contact is terminated after payment of the fee. |
But what happens if you actually fall into the trap and give the scammers your personal information and money?
The consequences
After the transfer, the hope and the patience, there is nothing but silence. No news. No answers. And the money? It's gone. And what's worse, the personal information submitted opens the door to further fraud or identity theft.
Fact check: Table 3
| claim | Fact check |
|---|---|
| After payment you will receive the money. | That's wrong. The money is never paid out. |
| Your personal information is safe. | In reality, scammers often use this information to commit further fraud or identity theft. |
Conclusion : The Internet and social media like Facebook are full of possibilities, but unfortunately also full of dangers. If a story sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't. It is important to remain vigilant and check the facts. Remember: Nobody gives away money just like that, especially not to complete strangers on the Internet.
Be critical of tragic stories and generous offers. Protect your personal information and your money. And most importantly, don't be fooled by false pity. Not everything is as it seems on the Internet.
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