419 scam: "Martin Johnson"<wyvern_123@boostcruising.com> 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:
- ",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.
This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- jlllsamberg@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Martin Johnson"<wyvern_123@boostcruising.com>
Reply-To: <jlllsamberg@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:31:37 -0400
Subject: Urgent

My name is Mr. Martin Johnson, a Business and Oil Merchant in Africa . I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer which was discovered very late,Now that my health has deteriorated so badly.
I am From Swiss but in Dominican Republic hospital now were am receiving treatment which I discussed with the doctor to discharge me back to my country but I don’t think I will survive it. Although, all powers belong to God.

I have $500,000,000.00, I want to transfer to your country for
investment on properties or hotel as you may chose and I need your assistance to receive the fund and also invest the money for me. I will give you details as soon as you respond.

Lets get this done urgently and finalize this transaction with you as the beneficiary before my arrival in your country for partnership investment agreement. Note that you will have 25% as of the total sum as when the funds get into your hands for investment, while 5% will be expenses for both parties before sharing.
reply to my private email: jlllsamberg@aol.com

Regards,

Martin Johnson

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam