E-Mail Scams: Digging Deeper

We've all gotten those e-mails from people who claim to be:

A) A relative of someone wealthy that just died
B) The executor of a wealthy estate with no one to inherit the wealth
C) A dying rich man

These usually come from a Middle Eastern or African nation, and are vague enough that you could probably find something similar that has happened recently.

Of course, they are always scams, and they will surely leave you worse off for your effort.

Or will they?

I recently received an e-mail to my account with the following text:

HELLO

This letter may come to you as a surprise due to the fact that we have not yet met. I have to say that I have no intentions of causing you any pains so i decided to contact you through this medium .As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday.

My name is SALAM JAFER, a merchant in Dubai, in the U.A.E. I have been diagnosed with prostate and esophageal Cancer that was discovered very late due to my laxity in caring for my health. It has defiled all form of medicine and right now, I have only about a few WEEKS to live according to medical experts.I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone not even myself but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focus on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that I know my time is near, I have willed and given most of my properties and assets to my immediate and extended family members and as well as a few close friends and Scho
I am writing this from my laptop computer in my hospital bed where I wait for my time to come. I pray that God uses you to support and assist me with good heart

God be with you.
MR. SALAM JAFER


It was awfully nice for the dying Mr. Jafer to contact me in order to spread his wealth. And as part of my duty to you, the faithful reader, I replied to his e-mail with the following:

Mr. Jafer,

I am sorry to hear about your illness. I would be happy to assist you in the matter in any way you see fit. Please contact me, and I'll see what I can do.

- Winston

Now we'll see what transpires, because like you, I have always been curious as to what the actual scam entails.

Stay tuned...