SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
The Dying Widow Scam
One Of The Popular Variations On The Email Scam Is The Dying Widow Scam
The basic idea is that a Widow (or Widower) is Dying And Needs Your Help!
This is a variation of the typical “419” Advance Fee Fraud Scam, where the scammer claims to be a childless widow of a wealthy husband, usually from the Middle East, Africa (such as Nigeria) or a former Diplomat or Government Official. She inherited her fortune from her husband and is now dying. Usually, this is an obvious terminal disease such as breast cancer or “cancer and fibroid problems.” Sometimes it will be a stroke.
The widow will claim to be a “Born Again Christian,”using typical biblical language such as “Calvary Greetings”, “Dearest In Christ”, or referring to scriptures (“Exodus 14”). The widow will you to use the money for an orphanage, charities or a church; or may claim to be devout Muslim.
The source of the emails and fake profiles turn out to be Nigeria or West African nations. The person behind the scam is almost always a man pretending to be a woman, that works with scamming gangs – many, no doubt, providing funds for local terrorists.
It almost always follows the same scam where the victim will receive millions of dollars for a little help. The victim will be asked to wire their money to another person, typically a “lawyer” or a “security company” or another intermediary in control of their money.
The male equivalent of the “dying widow” scam is the “dying merchant” scam.
Example Stolen Photo
Dying Widow Scam
The above photo was from a Facebook Fake Profile used for Social Media Dying Widow Scams: https://www.facebook.com/people/Esaf-Awad-Ibrahim/100011145404916
DYING WIDOW SCAM EMAILS
Here is a typical Dying Widow Email
———————————————-
FROM: kohrogokabila006@yahoo.co.jp; on behalf of; Gretchen Mishra <grethchen20@outlook.com>
SUBJECT: Charitable Donation From Mrs. Gretchen Mishra
———————————————-DEAREST IN CHRIST.
I AM MRS.GRETCHEN MISHRA FROM SWITZERLAND. I AM MARRIED TO LATE MR.TOM MISHRA WHO WORKED WITH A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WE WERE MARRIED BUT WITHOUT ANY CHILDREN AM A DYING WOMAN WHO HAD DECIDED TO DONATE WHAT I HAVE TO YOU FOR THE UP KEEPING OF THE ORPHAN AND THE LESS-PRIVILEGE’S HAVE ($4,500,000.00) TO DONATE FOR THE WORK OF CHARITY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED CONTACT ME SO THAT I CAN DIRECT YOU I HOPE YOU ACT SINCERELY. LASTLY, I HONESTLY PRAY THAT THIS MONEY WHEN TRANSFERRED WILL BE USED FOR THE SAID PURPOSE EVEN THOUGH I’M LATE THEN.
REGARDS,
MRS.GRETCHEN MISHRA
-/ 30 /-
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A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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