419 scam: "Mrs. Maryiam Abacha." <suzanaavaye@yahoo.com> URGENT ASSISTANCE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL/URGENT

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "million dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "urgent assistance" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs. Maryiam Abacha." <suzanaavaye@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: mamaryiamabacha@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:45:39 +0100
Subject: URGENT ASSISTANCE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL/URGENT

URGENT ASSISTANCE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL/URGENT

MARYIAM SANNI ABACHA

GIDADO ROAD KANO

I am Mrs. Maryiam Abacha, the widow of the late Gen. Sanni AbachaFormer
Nigerian Military Head of State who died mysteriously as a result of
Cardiac Arrest. Since after my husband’s death my family is under
restriction of Movement and that not withstanding, we are being
molested,policed and Our Bank Account both here and abroad are being
frozen by theNigeria Government.

Following the recent discovery of my husband’s Bank Account by theNigerian
Government with Swiss Bank in which the huge sum of US$700 Million and
DM450 Million was logged. I therefore decided to contact you inConfidence
that l were able to move out the sum of US$8.5 Million Dollars,Which was
secretly defaced and is sealed in two Metal Boxes for SecurityReasons.

I therefore personally, appeal to you seriously and religiously forYour
Urgent assistance to move this money into your country where l believes It
Will be safe since l cannot leave the country due to the restriction Of
Movement imposed on the members of my family by the Nigeria Government.

My lawyer shall arrange with you for a face to face meeting outside
Nigeria in order to liaise with you toward effective completion ofThis
Money out of the country in a secret vault through a security company In
Egypt/Ghana, and as soon as you indicate your interest my Lawyer ShallSend
you the Air-Way Bill of the Luggage and other related documents That Will
help you claim the Luggage.

Conclusively, we have agreed to offer you 30% of the total sum While 70%
is to be held on trust by you until we can decide on a suitable Business
Investment in your country subsequent to our free movement by the Nigerian
Government.

Please reply urgently and treat with absolute confidentiality and Sincerity.
Best regards.

Maryiam Sanni Abacha

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam