Fictitious promises such as profits or inheritances, which are usually sent by email. If you reply to such a message, some reason is given to request an advance payment such as fees, legal fees or taxes on profits.
The offers and promises made in these messages are completely fake. Victims are often promised large sums of money, such as an inheritance or a lottery win. Sometimes the scammers claim that a parcel containing valuable items has been held up at customs. If you respond to these messages, you'll be asked to pay fees, taxes, legal costs, etc. in advance. In addition, any personal information you provide could be misused in future scams.
Specific measures
Preventive measures
How the NCSC can help
Further Information
- Ignore this type of message.
- If you have already made contact, end all communication immediately and do not make any payments.
- If you have made a payment, contact the bank you used immediately. They may be able to stop the payment.
- If you have suffered a financial loss, we recommend that you report it to the police. You can find your nearest police station on the Suisse ePolice website.
- Be sceptical of emails or text messages that make unexpected promises.
- Receiving an inheritance or lottery winnings is not dependent on paying taxes or duties in advance - these are usually invoiced separately at a later date.
Your report via the online form helps the NCSC identify trends. This makes it possible for the NCSC to raise public awareness in a targeted way.
Last modification 09.10.2025
