[Dad was my hero]

This is the second I've rec'd in just two weeks. Here is what I'm considering replying.

Dear Dan:

I cannot believe my good fortune!!!! Just this weekend I was praying to St Anthony to help me get money. On Friday I had to meet with the court appointed bankruptcy attorney to help me get things in order to file bankruptcy. My house is mortgaged to 175% of its market value, my 10 credit cards are maxed out to $250,000 total, my automobiles were repossessed, the government has tax liens against my home and is garnishing my wages for the next two years. I am accessing my e-mail account from a public library as even my PC has been repossessed. I have prayed for some opportunity such as the one you are presenting to come along to help me out of this hole I'm in.

It appears we can help each other out if you are just willing to advance me $1,750,000 US, I may be able to secure my position then help you out. Please reply to this e-mail and send me your account numbers to progress with this transaction.

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Freepers, your thoughts on anything to add that would even make it more pathetic would be welcome. Maybe I shouldn't respond as it might prompt even more of these but it seems to me asking them for money for a change could stop it.

Moderator, feel free to move this to wherever is most appropriate.

[saluki_in_ohio]

Don't even bother replying. Report it to the FTC.

[TheRightResponse]

Been around for years...

[EggsAckley]

LOL!!

[kinghorse]

Nothing can top their stupid scam. Sorry. I think it's useful to note that I received a similar proposal listing my vehicle on Autotrader. Within 24 hours I had a buyer but there was a hitch. His "client" had a refund check from a deal that fell through. He needed my "trust" to take that cashier's check and in exhange western union the difference. He would make arrangements to pick up the vehicle. Sounded very convincing except all his replies were coming around 2 am (high noon in Lagos??). My vehicle was offered for $8,200 and his check was for $15,000.

I think we ought to invade Nigeria just so we can kick ass on the rotten bastards.

[Snowy]

http://www.ebolamonkeyman.com/index.html

[Snowy]

http://www.scamorama.com

There's another one. Some of those are so funny! :)

[Az Joe]

I have strung these people along for weeks by giving them fake phone numbers to call and having "events" in my life (accidents, deaths, etc) prevent me from acting on their requests immediately.

[night reader]

Have you just been fired from your job, and is your wife suing for divorce, alimony and $20K/month child support? What about the hundred thou your doc wants before doing the bone marrow transplant?

[kcar]

What's amazing is that every year they reel in a new crop, despite the obviousness of the scam and the express alerts re: it.

[blanknoone]

I am actually impressed in that his spelling and grammar is much better than some I have seen. My standard tactic for telemarketers is to say that I would be very interested in hearing what they have to say, but could they hold on a moment. Every couple of minutes, I check back in and ask them to hold for a few more moments. Eventually they get it. The point is to waste their time and reduce the profitability of telemarketing in general.

I am wondering if something similar is applicable here. Maybe we should start mass email correspondence with them leading no where. Waste their time. I would certainly notify authorities as well, but I don't think it is a bad idea to get them so involved with several people so that they don't have the inclination or time to scam the more gullible. My understanding is that most this comes from internet cafes, where they pay, and given that most people are already wary of this, a nudge in profitability might push at least most out of the business.

[mrsmith]

You're out of luck. DU members have wheedled enough money from their parents' welfare checks to meet the offer.

They're gonna stick it to the man as soon as those millions clear! Hoo Boy!