Do people actually fall for the sorts of e-mails that I sometimes share, like the one further below? Are people really able to convince themselves that if they share personal data with a stranger, they will get money out of the deal rather than getting ripped off? Would you buy a villa for a stranger?
It has become commonplace to suspect that human societies today are in an intellectual decline. I’m not persuaded. I just think that (1) things that simply circulated by word of mouth now get e-mailed, and (2) an impersonal scam is easier to attempt in our day and age thanks to modern technology.
If you are reading this, unless you are a regular reader, I suspect you got here looking for keywords from the e-mail below. It is indeed a scam (note how a complete stranger addresses himself to you as “good friend”). Don’t fall for it!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TRANSACTION MUST BE CONFIDENTIAL
Hello my good Friend,
How are you and your family,I am Dr.Leonard Mensah from Accra Ghana,iam the Special Adviser on political matters to the president Republic of Ghana But now in London for an official duty .
I got your contact from our International section of the Ghana Consortium Board in conjunction with Asian Consortium Board Ghana and i know that you are capable of handling my investment project.
I have gone through your profile and I see that you are a man that knows much about Business?
I will like you to help me get a Villa where I will resident with my family in your country” I want to buy a villa for my family because I want my Family to relocate from Africa to your country for security reason especially now that we are campaigning for the 2008 election, so get back to me.
Be informed that i have chosen you to be of help me to secure a Villa, my funds, my family and help my Wife to invest the funds and manage my Gold wisely into a lucrative investment of your choice that will be profitable for both of us I will make you my partner in any investment put on in your Country and you stand on 10% of any gain realize form the investment yearly.
Secondly, As soon as you assist me on the above request I will compensate you with $ 800,000.00 for job well done.
The Villa will be 6 or 7 bedroom that has swimming pool, Car Garage, Playing Grand, and it will be Beach Front or on top of the Hill, Price will not be more then ($6,500,000.00).i also want to go into Restaurant business in your country.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TRANSACTION MUST BE CONFIDENTIAL
I will need your full information because it will help me in preparing the agreement of trust with your full identity and I am also going to send my id to you for your perusal, ok.
PLEASE JUST SUSPEND WHAT EVER THING YOU HAVE WITH PEOPLE OF MY COUNTRY BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT WHAT IAM BRINGING TO YOU IS WELL ENOUGH FOR YOU AND MY FAMILY OK.I ALSO HAVE SOME KG OF GOLD WHICH IS NOW IN ASIA.
Regards,
Dr Leonard Mensah.
Direct Mobile Line.+233-274-697-919
Private Email—[email protected]
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