I Responded to a “Nigerian Scam” Type Email :D

I’ve always wanted to respond to one of these shady scam emails. You know the type – “I’m a Nigerian prince blah blah” or “I’m the defense secretary of some unheard of country and I need your help transferring BAZILLIONS of dollars!” Well, today I couldn’t resist!

I’m not a fool. I set up a new anonymous ID at gmx.com with a throwaway email of [email protected] . No way I’m gonna let these guys get a handle on my real account! I already have an ID for marketing forms etc, but even that will be soiled by corresponding with them. Here’s the email I received in my inbox which I reserve for all sign ups etc. (click to enlarge)

Salient Features:

1. Completely new business model (Raw material supply!)
2. Shamelessly immoral (Openly asking me to help him scam some company)
3. Explains how they got my ID (Marketing company)
4. Does not pretend to be royalty or in a position of power

Your role must be played perfectly and the least I expect from you is betrayal!

I’ve been told that these types of emails are deliberately outrageous so that only the most gullible people will respond. Once that self selecting barrier is crossed, the scammers know that the respondent is a prime target. I’m going to enjoy this. Here’s my response with my grammar deliberately “off””

Dear Mr. Kiri,

Very much thank you for getting in touch with me. I appreciate your offer. Corporations these days only are interested in hurting the common man, so why should we play fair. After all what is a little slippage here and there? I assure you I want to be your partner in this very very profitable venture. But tell me first what is this company and raw material? After all if I have to play the part of a supplier I must know something about the business no? Is it some kind of metal? Or chemical?

Please be telling me what I should do from here on and how much the raw material is costing, how much to purchase, and where I can store the stock until I can resell it to your company. Also, I want to know the profit margins in advance before anything. Sorry for asking so many question, but I need to know your genuineness. Hope you don’t mind.

Thank you and regards,

Tony

The response has been sent and I’m now waiting for a reply :D