Nigerian man sentenced to 8 years for $6m inheritance scam targeting elderly Americans

A Nigerian national has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for orchestrating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that bilked elderly Americans out of over $6 million, U.S. authorities announced.

The convicted fraudster ran an elaborate scam that preyed on vulnerable senior citizens by falsely promising them multi-million dollar inheritances from distant or unknown relatives. Victims were told they needed to pay various upfront fees, taxes, and processing charges before they could claim their supposed windfalls—payments that went directly into the pockets of the scammers.

Federal prosecutors said the scheme operated across international borders, with the defendant and his associates using sophisticated tactics to maintain the deception over extended periods. Many victims were contacted repeatedly and convinced to send multiple payments, sometimes depleting their life savings in the process.

“This defendant callously targeted some of our most vulnerable citizens, exploiting their trust and hopes for financial security,” a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that we will vigorously pursue those who perpetrate these cruel scams, regardless of where they operate.”

The case highlights the ongoing problem of international fraud targeting Americans, particularly elderly individuals who may be less familiar with common scam tactics. Law enforcement officials worked across borders to investigate and prosecute the case.

In addition to the prison sentence, the defendant is expected to face deportation following completion of his term and may be ordered to pay restitution to victims.

Authorities continue to warn the public to be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims and to never send money to unknown parties claiming to represent foreign estates or government agencies.