A number of us here at GFI received a Nigerian 419 scam email over the weekend. A little investigation shows these fraudulent spam emails alleged to be from Maryam Abacha have been circulating at least since 2005.
From: Maryam Abacha [mailto:maria_abach@_____.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2011 7:38 PM
Subject: Very Urgent Reply.
Hi,
My name is Maryam Abacha the widow of Sani Abacha, de facto President of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998.
Following the sudden death of my husband I have been thrown into a state of utter confusion, frustration and hopelessness by the present civilian administration.
I have been subjected to physical and psychological torture by the security agents in the country.
You must have heard over the media reports on the recovery of various huge sums of money deposited by my husband in different security firms abroad.
I am looking for a reliable and trustworthy individual that would receive the sum of $15.5 Million Dollars which I have secretly deposited with a security company abroad.
I will give you 20% of the total sum and how to receive the funds on my behalf as soon as I hear from you.
I got your contact through my personal research, and out of desperation decided to reach you through this medium.
Best Regards
Mariam Abacha.
The Freeman Institute seems to have taken a special interest in the 419 scams that use the Abacha story.
Thanks Patrick
Tom Kelchner