Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

The view from Wendy's World: The art of a great scam

Im probably going to get in line for that new Lamborghini thats just about to be released. Im also figuring that Ill build myself a humongous house, have a pool installed and then hire someone to clean both.

Because I got that e-mail. Its not a chain letter predicting good fortune if I send it along to all my friends. Im smart enough to know that doesnt really work. Its also not that one that required me to enter some sort of sweepstakes. This one didnt require any sort of chance.

The message was that I had won. Already won. As in, Im going to receive 10 million dollars - in U.S. currency.

I read it again. Thats what it said. Not that I might win or that I was one of a hundred thousand finalists, but that the transfer of money into my account was waiting to be made.

Now Im seriously not stupid enough to quit my job as Im waiting for that money to be transferred, but I wonder just how stupid those people think I am. And more than that, how many people respond? Apparently its more than Id expect because the scam happens all the time. Im not certain what the angle was in this particular case because they wanted my phone number and address to start the process. Id probably get my phone bill to discover that the number had been used to order a hundred sets of Hercules Hooks and fifty sets of fabulous dishrags that never wear out. Or worse, had been used to dial 1-900-call-a-date.

What gets me about the scams is the number of people who apparently respond, hand out phone numbers or credit card numbers or bank account numbers, hoping that this will be the big payoff. The bottom line is that Mr. Achmed Whats-his-face isnt trying to get his millions out of a foreign country and if he was he wouldnt be contacting you by e-mail for help.

The old folks say it best - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

I have to admit that Ive seen a few good scams. By good, I mean those that just seem to work for the masses for whatever reason. One of my all-time favorites was an ad I saw in a newspaper once. It was simple.

Would you like to get 20 envelopes every day with $5 in each? Just send me $5 in an envelope and Ill tell you how.

I always wondered how many people answered that ad. If anybody doesnt see the obvious scam in that particular case, just drop by the office and bring me $5. Ill explain it to you.