You're Getting Lots of Money!

The old adage "If it looks to good to be true, it probably is" should be kept in mind here.   

There are several variations of this email that you may see:

Inheritance: Someone you don't know, from another country (usually in Africa) will write to you to tell you of the unfortunate death of a rather wealthy individual.  This may be their relative, or they may be a "banker" referencing a deceased wealthy client.   Any way it's worded, the important part is that they need your help to launder the loot before the government can claim it.   For your help, you will be given a significant cut of the money.   Generally this will involve either some up-front money to grease a local politician or they may hope you will provide a bank account number so that they may just transfer the money to your account empty your bank account.

Prize Winnings:  You just won a lottery in a foreign country you didn't enter.   Similar to above the only thing you need to do to claim your "prize" is send a little money up front to grease someone.

Assassination:  This one shows up periodically.  The claim is that "someone" paid money to have you killed, but the killer knows you're a "good person".  If you pay X amount of money, they will let you live... for a little more, they will tell you who put the hit on you.  

Mystery Shopper:  The gist here is that you're asked to cash a [counterfeit] check, buy merchandise, and send it to the "headquarters" to evaluate the shop in question.  

Overpayment:   Generally seen with online auction sites like eBay or Craigs List.  This generally works as the "buyer" offers to buy the item for above a reasonable cost, generally via [counterfeit] check or money order, with some of the "extra" money being sent to a third party or the "buyer".  

The scams are not limited to these methods,  but the telltale signs are all similar.  You're promised far more than reasonable for something shady.   No matter how good the promises sound, though, they are always false.  There is never a legitimate check, nor payment. It's generally best to ignore these scam attempts.  There is a hobby/sport called "scam baiting", in which the criminals are put through humiliation and public ridicule, but many peop[e would be just as well served by either ignoring the message or telling them to shove off.

Remember, "If it looks too good to be true, it is".  Be safe online, and avoid the scams!