February 20, 2003
Re: Notes To Spammers
I mean, seriously. Imagine walking down the street in Nigeria when some kid grabs you:
Excuse me sir, the blessings of Allah and Cosell be upon you. My name is Casbah Thefriendlyghost, and I have BEEN told by Mister Krelboyne AT the hotel that you are an honest and trustworthy individual. I have recently come into POSSESSION of my mother's insta-cash card by stealing it from her purse while she was asleep. Unfortunately, my Uncle Mitch is working at the cafe across from the bank machine, and knows that I have no money, and WILL become suspicious if he sees me make a cash withdrawal. However, I could give YOU the card and secret number and you could make the withdrawal without arousing suspicion; in exchange for this valuable service, I would be WILLING to give you a finder's fee, say thirty bucks on a c-note. IF you are able and willing to undertake this task, please signify same by GIVing me your HOTEL ROOM KEY. Please understand that the utmost discretion is required in this matter; Uncle Mitch is well-known to be unable to keep his mouth shut.
And for that matter, how long can it be before the wealthy catch on to the fact that depositing a large sum of money in a Nigerian bank is pretty much a death sentence? Save yourselves, rich people! There are lots of good banks in Togo, Burundi, and Malawi where there isn't such a strong statistical correlation between large deposits and visits from the Reaper.
Posted by Steve at February 20, 2003 08:15 PM
Actually, that sounds like the plot to a moderately engrossing 1930s movie. Except it would be a valuable jewel-encrusted antiquity which was not reported to the authorities (the Egyptians being keen on keeping them in the country), and $500 was required to bribe somebody or other, in return for which small sum you would get a 25% share of the fabulous value of the blah blah.
All you need now are a few greasy officials, a corrupt French police captain, a smooth British spy, a tribe of dancing girls, a bloodthirsty cult, a beautiful leading lady, and a world-weary American, and you're in business.
Actually this sounds like FICA taxes to me. Are you sure these aren't really Washington's schemes to raise revenues?