someone in anticipation of receiving something of greate value— such as a loan, contract, investment, or gift— and receives little or nothing in return.
The variety of advance fee schemes is limited only by th imagination of the con artists who offer them. They ma involve the sale of products or services, the offering of investments, lottery winnings,“ found money,” or many“ opportunities.” Clever con artists will offer to find fina arrangements for their clients who pay a“ finder’ s fee” in advance. They require their clients to sign contracts in w they agree to pay the fee when they are introduced to th financing source. Victims often learn that they are inelig financing only after they have paid the“ finder” accordin the contract. Such agreements may be legal unless it can shown that the“ finder” never had the intention or the a provide financing for the victims.