The underlying logic here is baffling. How can people still fall for this old scheme in this day and age? This type of case always follows a "script"... it's all a playbook. Over the years, the basic framework of these scams has remained largely the same.

"I'm a descendant of Lincoln. Do you believe me? My ancestor was a U.S. President... His surname was Lin, and his given name was Ken. Lin Ken (Lincoln)."

1. Story Packaging: The scammer claims a large inheritance is frozen. They say that by having "everyone pool funds" to pay certain legal fees or administrative costs, the inheritance can be released, and the money will then be divided. It sounds like buying an "entry ticket."

2. Small-Scale Testing: They initially ask you to invest a small amount—a few hundred or thousand—promising multiple returns, or even "RM4.2 million will be unlocked, and you'll get a few million in dividends." After the small sum is invested, the scammer provides a small reward (a refund or fake documents) to build your trust.

3. Expanding the Trap: Once you've had a taste of "profit," you naturally increase your investment. At this point, the scammer continuously invents urgent reasons, such as "the government needs extra documents" or "it's almost unlocked, just a little more needed," compelling you to keep paying.

4. Reel in and Run: Finally, once the money is secured, the person disappears, or the process is dragged out until the victim is exhausted and gives up. The scam is complete.

Many people ask, "This scam is ancient. How can anyone still believe it?" The answer is: they do, and quite a few. A scam never relies solely on being "clever"; it exploits human weakness. 

Some are driven by greed, others by trusting a referral from an acquaintance, and still others are simply desperate for a "chance to turn things around," leading them to grasp at straws. Even when it's obvious to outsiders, the victim is caught in a cycle of hope and despair, making them highly susceptible to persuasion.

I believe this case magnifies three critical gaps:

1. Information Gap (信息差): The scammer possesses a "professional narrative" using legal jargon, bank documents, and court approvals. The average person is unfamiliar with this, so they assume it's legitimate.

2. Cognitive Gap (认知差): Some people know scams exist but still believe "this time is different." Their perception hasn't kept pace with reality, and they get pulled in.

3. Execution Gap (执行差): Some people may have a strange feeling about the situation but lack the habit of executing the step of "stopping to verify the facts." By the time they decide to act, the money is already gone.

This is the logic of differentiation: Information and cognition determine the outcome. The more you know and the clearer your perspective, the less likely you are to suffer a loss. Conversely, if you lag behind, you might fall into the pit.

Some people might say, "They deserve to be scammed; they were greedy." But the reality is not that simple. 

Many victims aren't purely greedy; they just "want an opportunity." This case reminds us that risk isn't limited to stocks or cryptocurrencies; even an 'inheritance release' can be used as a pre-planned deception. The irony is that if you don't improve your cognition and train your judgment, you will perpetually fall into similar traps in different areas.

🥹 Friendly Reminder: This is not investment advice and is not intended to judge anyone. This is simply a thought: Money never appears out of thin air, and a "windfall inheritance" almost always has a pit dug by someone else underneath it.

The Anatomy of Deception: Why the "Frozen Inheritance" Scam Still Works