We are very happy to announce that you are one of the 6 grand-prize winners of our annual lottery draw!
To retrieve your cheque of 850000.00 Pounds, simply reply to the above email to acknowledge!
We look forward to presenting this magnificent reward to you, our valued participant of the draw.
Once again, congratulations to you!”
Does this look rather familiar to any of you?
I was extremely excited when I saw this email that I have received about 1 year ago, and immediately went on to reply to it!
“Oh my God! I thought you are smarter than that Chik!”
“What the heck Chik! Haven’t you heard of the saying that there’s no free lunch? You are so dumb!!”
Yes, yes, I see that coming, people.
But come on! Do you really think that I did not know that such emails are scams?
Is that what you think?
It doesn’t matter what you think! Because I know what I am doing!
Before any of you start to mock at me for being too darn naïve to fall for a scam like this, allow me to continue with this story. (:
But for those of you who are lost, this is probably the best link I have for you.
http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/lotteries.php
Well basically, I replied to that email solely for experimentation. We have all heard of stories about how countless “winners” have been scammed by such organizations. Hence, I decided to proceed to experience myself (with caution of course!) to see how this entire system works, and possibly spot some loopholes.
To my surprise, I got an enthusiastic reply almost immediately from them requesting for me fill in certain particulars of myself so that they can verify that I am the true winner, or rather victim. I must say, honestly, that they seemed truly experienced and professional in handling the operation till now. They even stated that I have to reply within 2 working days or else the prize may be forfeited. This tactic would probably urge those skeptical “winners” to decide fast and reply to their email quickly, just in case that they may get busy and forget about it.
Finally, after all the verification work to be done by me, they sent me a final email confirming, and at the same time congratulating me that I am truly their long awaited and anticipated prey. At the same time, they gave me a description of how the parcel will be like just in case of the fact that I am not able to receive it. They even informed me in the email that I would be receiving a call from their company in UK for a final verification.
Now now now, the trap can finally be seen! In that email, they gave me 3 choices of how I want the parcel containing $850000 to be shipped to me.
Option 1: COURIER AIR EXPRESS ( 24 Hours )
£530.95 Pounds ( Equivalent to $1,050 US Dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Option 2: COURIER AIR EXPRESS (2 working days)
£500.95 Pounds ( Equivalent to $992 US Dollars!!!!!!!!)
Option 3 POST OFFICE MAIL (3 working days)
£470.95 Pounds ( Equivalent to $932 US Dollars!!!!!!)
Well, these figures may seem astronomical, but there are really still people around who are ignorant enough to think that such shipping prices are nothing compared to the huge prize money they will be receiving later on. Not. (:
Yes this is the whole point. In my case, they basically aim to tackle my greed and trick me into paying that shipping fee as I anticipate the arrival of the big prize, which will never ever come.
Did I mention that they really did call me? Apparently, this British guy really did so to congratulate me, and of course not forgetting to tell me to make my choice of shipment type fast. He sounded really sincere and willing. (Who wouldn’t if he is trying to get money from you?)
And of course, I took this opportunity to have some fun! :D
Me: “Can you transfer my prize money to my bank account?”
Him: “Oh there’s actually the prize money, as well as other fabulous gifts and vouchers as well. That’s why we need to ship it over in a parcel form for you, sir.”
Me: “Oh I see. Hmm how about that? Forget the gifts and vouchers. I know it’s my loss, but no worries. Just transfer to me the money?”
Him: “Ok sir, we hope that you can understand, but it’s our policy that when we give, we give our best. We want our winners to receive the best. Trust me, Mr Chik, you won’t regret it.” (I’ve got to admit that it’s quite a good answer.)
Me: “Oh wow. Ok in that case, I shall go and select my choice right now and reply to the email. Thank you very much.”
Him: “You are most welcome Mr Chik. Once again, I just want to say congratulations to you.”
Me: “Oh no wait. On another thought, I don’t think I deserve the prize…”
Him: “No, you do Mr Chik…”
Me: “No, I have made up my mind, please donate my prize to the UK National Kidney Federation instead. The patients deserve it more.”
Him (Sounding surprisingly disappointed and worried): “Mr Chik, look…”
Me: “Thank you very much. Goodbye.”
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