Scam Alert! – Fake Dr. Scott B. Laybonne UK Supplier Scam (Gmail Contact)

Reviewed by ScamReporting.org Editorial Team · Editorial standards

Reported August 2026 — A reader received an unsolicited email claiming to be from “Dr. Scott B. Laybonne” in the UK, asking for a supplier of materials and providing a Gmail address for replies.

Quick answer

That message is a scam. You were not contacted by a legitimate UK business executive, and replying only confirms your email is active for the next stage of the fraud. Delete it. Do not reply, send personal information, pay any fees, or share business details. This is a classic procurement scam that targets businesses and individuals with offers of legitimate-sounding business opportunities.

What the email said (full sample)

I am Dr Scott B. Laybonne from Uk. Our company is currently looking for a reliable supplier of materials require for our company for product. I believe the venture may be interest of you. Kindly let me know if you are interested for more details

Reply back on my private E-mail as: mrscottblaybonne@gmail.com

Regards
Dr.Scott B.Laybonne

Notice the poor grammar, spelling errors, and use of a free Gmail address for supposed business communications. Legitimate UK companies use corporate email domains, not Gmail.

How this scam works

1. Trust hijack. The writer claims to be “Dr. Scott B. Laybonne” from the UK, using an academic title and UK location to appear credible.
2. Business opportunity bait. Claims their company needs suppliers for materials, creating a plausible business scenario that could interest entrepreneurs or businesses.
3. Gmail contact trap. Directs you to reply to a free Gmail address (mrscottblaybonne@gmail.com) instead of a corporate email domain. Legitimate businesses use their own domain emails.
4. Poor grammar tells. Multiple spelling and grammar errors: “receied,” “require for our company for product,” “interest of you.” Professional business communications are proofread.
5. Advance fee escalation. Once you reply, scammers typically request advance payments for “samples,” “registration fees,” “shipping costs,” or “legal documentation” before any real business occurs.
6. Data harvest. May request business registration documents, bank details, tax identification numbers, or personal information under the guise of setting up a business relationship.

Red Flags

• Unsolicited business proposal from unknown sender
• Use of free Gmail address for supposed corporate communications
• Poor grammar and spelling errors throughout the message
• Generic business proposal with no specific company name or details
• Academic title (“Dr.”) used without verifiable credentials
• Asks to reply to “private email” rather than official company channel
• No verifiable company website, registration, or contact information

What to do

• Do not reply — even a short answer tells scammers your email is active.
• Do not send business registration documents, bank details, tax IDs, or personal information.
• Do not pay any advance fees, sample costs, shipping charges, or “registration fees.”
• Mark as phishing / junk in your mail client and block the sender.
• Report it: in the U.S., file at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; also use our Report a Scam page. If you are outside the U.S., report to your national consumer-fraud agency.
• If you already shared information: contact your bank, monitor accounts for suspicious activity, and review steps on Get Help.

Why the Gmail address is a major red flag

A legitimate UK business executive would use a corporate email address (e.g., @companyname.co.uk) for business communications. The use of a free Gmail address (mrscottblaybonne@gmail.com) for supposedly serious business negotiations is a clear indicator of fraud. Real businesses invest in professional email infrastructure and would never direct potential suppliers to reply to a personal Gmail account.

This scam follows a common pattern where criminals pose as international business executives seeking suppliers, partners, or distributors. The initial email is vague to cast a wide net, and once someone responds, the scam escalates with requests for money or sensitive information.

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