Sunday, June 14, 2009

"Christian" E-mail Scams


A few months back I received an e-mail scam from someone, and while the right thing to do is delete it, I actually sent back a reply: "Sending out spam e-mail in the hope of stealing money from people is a crime not only against other people, but a crime against a Holy God." And then I went on from there to flesh this out a bit, and also linked to this for the scammer.

A few years ago I was sent an e-mail from someone purporting to be William Webster and he was stuck in Nigeria and needs money to get out. I'm not sure how this one got pulled off, but somehow the person must've hacked Webster's address book.

Recently, I got another e-mail scam. I found this one interesting in that it is a variation on a regular scam. What they did was, add "Christian" lingo to it:

From: Mrs. Ann-Marie Jacquelin

I am the above named person from France. I am married to Dr. Paul Jacquelin who worked with France Embassy in America for 21 years before he died in the year 2007.We were married for 17 years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only two weeks. Before his death we were both born again Christians. Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my Matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of 24Million Dollars (twenty four Million United State Dollars) on the safe deposit box with the bank. Europe.

Presently, this money is still deposited on the safe deposit box with the bank.


Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next four months due to cancer Problem. Though what disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my condition I decided to donate this Fund to church or better still a Christian individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct here in. I want a church that will use these funds to fund churches, orphanages and widows propagating the word of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained. The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth.

I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's hard earned money to be misused by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner. Hence the reason for taking this bold decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. The lord he will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health and
because of the presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development.

With God all things are possible As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the BANK in Europe I will also issue you a letter of authority that will prove you as the original- beneficiary of this Fund. I want you and the church to always pray for me because the lord is my shepherd.. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life.

Any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing for a church or Christian individual for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I stated herein Hoping to hearing from you. I have set aside 30% for you and for your time and 10% for any expenses if there is any then remaining balance for the word of God. Remain blessed in the name of the Lord.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Ann-Marie Jacquelin

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1 comment:

Pilgrimsarbour said...

I too sent one of these back some time ago saying (with words to this effect):

"It's quite audacious of you to send your lies to people, especially a Christian believer, one whom the Lord loves and who is jealously protected by Him. What account will you make of your blasphemy by using the Lord's name in such a way? What are you going to say to the Holy God of the universe when you stand before Him on that great and terrible day? May He have mercy on your lying, pathetic soul."