Is it true that you are dead? That you died on this COVID-19 sickness?

Email analysis

This email is a striking example of a scam that relies on shock tactics and deception to elicit a response from the recipient. The use of a generic email address, in this case, [email protected], as opposed to an official domain belonging to a legitimate bank (like FIRST BANK PLC), is a significant red flag. The bizarre and unsettling question posed in the opening line—whether the recipient is deceased due to COVID-19—immediately evokes fear and confusion, aiming to catch the reader’s attention and compel them to respond quickly without critical thought.

Furthermore, the extremely vague reference to a “fund” that can supposedly be claimed if the recipient is alive lacks any concrete details or verifiable legitimacy, further suggesting that this is a scam. The repeated request for a reply to a different email address ([email protected]) raises additional suspicion, as scammers often employ multiple untraceable channels to engage victims. The overall unprofessional tone and formatting, combined with the sense of urgency and emotional manipulation, are classic hallmarks of phishing attempts. It is essential for individuals to recognize such tactics, resist the impulse to respond, and refrain from disclosing any personal or financial information, as these communications are likely to be fraudulent.