I used to think Spammers – like most folks – at least took a modicum of professional pride in their work.
They, too, now, are just phoning it in.
The end is near, people. The end is near.
FROM: Billy D. Rogers
SUBJECT: Billy Offer!!
Via F. Turati 22,
00186 Rome,
Italy.
Dear Sir/Madam,
My. Name is . Working with the UniCredit Bank of Italy, I know this message might meet you in utmost surprise; however, it’s just my urgent need for a foreign partner that made me to contact you in regard of this transaction.
I am a banker by profession currently holding the post of Director at (UniCredit Bank) Italy.
I and my partners have the opportunity of transferring the left over funds of (Ђ12 million Euro)
I am inviting you for a business deal Between us in the ratio of 70/30, if you agree to my business proposal quickly respond back by indicating your willingness to be part of this great business opportunity, equally include your contacts telephone numbers and further details of the project will be forwarded to you as soon as I receive your return mail.
Have a great day.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Billy Dario Rogers
UPDATE – Several readers have pointed me towards this recent article – Are You Smarter Than A Scammer – postulating that Spammers essentially try to weed out all but the most gullible with these apparently indefensibly ridiculous emails. ““The most profitable strategy requires accurately distinguishing viable from non-viable users, and balancing the relative costs of true and false positives.”
The Nigerian scammers could craft more sophisticated emails, which might draw out more responses. But it would be too much work to convince the more savvy users to take the bait. It’s far easier to blanket the Internet with these dumbed-down offers in hopes of attracting a few responses from recipients who are likely to fall for it with minimum effort.
And all of a sudden, I find my blood running a bit colder…
– John