419 scam: "Lt. Col. Michael Adlerstein"<michaelalderstein_2011@yahoo.com.ph> From Lt. Col. Michael Adlerstein

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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:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
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:
- "huge amount of money" (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)
- "with absolute secrecy" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "can i trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
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.
- michaelalderstein_211@yahoo.co.uk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Lt. Col. Michael Adlerstein" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <michaelalderstein_211@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:14:08 -0800
Subject: From Lt. Col. Michael Adlerstein

>From Lt. Col. Michael Adlerstein,
E-Mail; michaelalderstein_211@yahoo.co.uk

Good day to you and your family, i apologize if the content here under are contrary to your moral ethics but please treat with absolute secrecy and personal.

My name is Lt. Col. Michael Adlerstein, I am From England working with the American soldier in Iraq as a medical doctor to the Third infantry Division in Iraq. I and my partner moved a huge amount of money belonging to Saddam Hussein, we need Assistance to secure the fund. You can go to this web links to understand better:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm

Since we are working for the government we cannot keep these funds, we have decided to look for someone to help us secure the money in a foreign account, the amount involve is US$19,700,000.00, (NINETEEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND USA DOLLAR) this is why I have contacted you, so you can help us secure the fund. This business is confidential and it should not be discussed with anyone, There is no risk involved whatsoever.

I really don't know how faithful you will be and that you will assist us. Can i trust you?

send an E-mail to: michaelalderstein_211@yahoo.co.uk

Signifying your interest by sending the required details below

FULL NAMES...........................................................

CONTACT ADDRESS......................................................

YOUR AGE......................................................................

TELEPHONE NUMBER/FAX.................................................

OCCUPATION...........................................................

Note This is risk free.
With regards from,

Lt. Col. Michael Adlerstein

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam