419 scam: "DR. MARTINS UDOKA"<info@hajjogroup.com> FROM THE DESK OF DR. MARTINS UDOKA

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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "DR. MARTINS UDOKA" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dr.martinsudoka@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:49:24 -0000
Subject: FROM THE DESK OF DR. MARTINS UDOKA

FROM THE DESK OF DR. MARTINS UDOKA

CHAIRMAN BUDGET AND ALLOCATION COMMITTEE

UNITED NATIONS REPRESENTATIVE NIGERIA

Dear Sir/madam,

I am the chairman budget and allocation committee of the United Nations Representative Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am in search of an agent to assist me in the transfer of FORTY MILLION {$40,000,000.00} UNITED STATES DOLLARS.

You will also assist in below investment plans in your country, just to ensure a good retirement for us and our family.

(1) Assist in the transfer of the said sum.

(2) Advise on lucrative areas of investment.

(3) Assist us in purchase of properties.

As the chairman Budget and allocation committee of the United Nations representative, my office budgets and allocates United Nations grants to Ministries, State Governments, Local governments, and other commissions. I have written this fund off and have planned on how to disburse this fund to you legally for our mutual sharing.

If you decide to render your service to me in this regard, 40% of the total sum will be offered to you in this transaction.

Please reply to indicate your willingness in assisting me, so that I will direct you on what next to do.

Note that due to my position in this office, this transaction should be kept confidential till we conclude.

Thanks for your anticipated assistance.

Yours sincerely,

DR. MARTINS UDOKA

CHAIRMAN BUDGET AND ALLOCATION COMMITTEE

UNITED NATIONS REPRESENTATIVE

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam