American uncle
The cultural phenomenon of a forgotten American relative leaving a fortune for their poor relatives is prevalent in countries that have seen a large number of emigrants move to the USA. The “American uncle” is immensely rich; he never runs out of money.
During the first half of the 20th century, millions left Europe, searching for a better life in America. However, the first two generations of immigrants often had stronger ties with their old home, and many had siblings still living there.
There were mixed feelings within immigrant communities. Those who were fortunate enough to make a successful new life were often envied and hated by those who remained behind. Conversely, those who were less fortunate were often ridiculed. Even those who eventually returned home were frequently sneered at.
If someone in the old country suddenly became rich, rumors would circulate that a relative in America had left a fortune for them. Thus, the legend of the "American uncle" was born.
I do have a real, proverbial American uncle. He always brought us modern stuff that had been mainstream in the States but rarely seen in Hungary (yet). E.g. 14.4k fax modem, 128MB USB drive (“pendrive” in Hungarian) etc.