The Museum of Hoaxes
A Postal-Mail Chain Letter?
Posted By:
Maegan
in Tampa, FL - USA
Nov 14, 2004
 I received this chain letter in my mailbox:

Dear Friend,
Greetings: I am a retired attorney. A few years ago a man came to me with a letter. He asked me to verify the fact that this was legal to do. I told him I would review it and get back to him. When I first red the letter my client brought me, I thought it was some "off-the-wall" idea to make money. A week and a half later we met in my office to discuss the issue. I told him the letter he originally brought me was not 100% legal. My client then asked me to later it to make it perfectly legal. I asked him to make one small change in the letter.

***
It goes on for another 2 pages about how if you send $1 to the 6 names on the list & you will make $800,000.00 in just 3 months. You pay for a list of names to send letters to. I KNOW this is a scam. I just can't figure out how I got it. It came to me at my married name (junk-mail tends to come to my maiden name), & it came to my actual house address. (My driver's license lists my PO Box & if you look me up at the DMV, the physical address is actually my prior residence...haven't had time to change it yet.) The phone & electric aren't registered in my name, they're registered to my husband. (There's not a water bill, we have a well.)

What I wanna know is: How did this come to me, with my correct name at my current physical address??? The 'person' who sent the letter is: Mr. Louis Jordan/1234 Shakespeare Avenue/Apt # 2E/Bronx, NY 10452

Also, a co-worker recently had someone slip this same letter under his door at his apartment building...Anyone hear anything about this??
Category: Scams; Replies: 1759

Comments
Page 21 of 30 pages ‹ First  < 19 20 21 22 23 >  Last ›
jerry nates
Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 | 04:34 PM
Hey cranky media guy and shane go climb back under the rock you came from you dont have a clue
jerry nates
Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 | 04:41 PM
hey cranky media guy the authorities can go to the library were i use the computer and find what a whole lot of people on computers.
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 | 12:50 AM
Jerry Nates said:

"hey cranky media guy the authorities can go to the library were i use the computer and find what a whole lot of people on computers."

You know another thing people do? LEARN THE DAMN ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

As for using the computer at the public library, hmm, why would a person do that? Oh, yeah, they'd do it if they knew full well that what they were doing was ILLEGAL and didn't want the authorities to be able to trace it back to them.
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 | 12:53 AM
Friend of Jerry's said:

"Hi i`m a friend of Jerry`s and i have been doing the letter deal for 4 weeks and received only 136 bucks if i get my money back i`ll be happy if not oh well i tried."

Uh, who is "Jerry?"

As for only getting your money back, gee, I thought you were "guaranteed" to make a profit. Don't chain letters always say that everyone can come out ahead? Why would you be hoping to just get your money back?
Shane
Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 | 08:17 PM
Jerry Says
"Hey cranky media guy and shane go climb back under the rock you came from you dont have a clue"

And

"
hey cranky media guy the authorities can go to the library were i use the computer and find what a whole lot of people on computers."

Come on man I dont care what ISP or MAC address you are using. Its irrelevent, Im not an Postal inspector or an FBI agent, and Cranky is not either.

Anyway it really seems more likely that you do not have a clue


Any Way Everyone should stop bickering and watch this Video. Maybe it will Clear things up.

http://www.watchtvsitcoms.com/DT/96.php


Ha and if you are thinking of posting any comments about copyright infringment, or anything like that. Dont.
The Darn Blister
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 | 06:11 AM
What authorities? "Jerry Nates" is in Lagos, Nigeria, as far as I'm concerned.
MY TURN
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 | 09:29 PM
Hey Jerry i`m going to give you a run for letters i`v been doing these letters for about 13 months and received only 6,200 letters back and I haven`t received one for at least a month so I know your lying about some 70,000 letters!
MY TURN
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 | 09:33 PM
Hey jerry`s friend who did you send out your letters to your family and friends?
Shane
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2008 | 03:40 PM
OOOOh Jerry Nates is the Propaganda guy, thats right. Haha the struggling to put food on the table guy. No way of taking you seriously.

Oh BTW I know this one is a fake name on one of my letters. Kory Pendergrafl With a P.O box. Such honest people participating in this scheme.
Shane
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 | 10:50 AM
Interesting it looks like this scheme has been around for a while possibly 20 years now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_Money_Fast
The Darn Blister
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 | 03:24 PM
Only 20 years? Try nearly 75 years, Shane.
Look up the Send-A-Dime letter.
Shane
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 | 04:18 PM
Parody chain letter (of Send-a-dime). "Pull chain letter." US, 1935.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOUCH BOTTOM PULL CHAIN LETTER
HOPELESS USELESS FAITHLESS
UPON RECEIPT OF THIS LETTER MAKE 5 COPIES AND SEND TO 5 OF
YOUR FRIENDS WHO DRINK COUNTRY CLUB BEER.

SCRATCH OFF THE TOP NAME AND SEND THAT PERSON "AT THE TOP OF
THE LIST" ONE ROLL OF TOILET PAPER

IN SCRATCHING OFF THE TOP NAME ADD YOUR NAME TO THE BOTTOM
OF THE LIST. IN TURN AS YOUR NAME REACHES THE TOP YOU SHOULD
RECEIVE 15620 ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER OR ENOUGH TO WIPE OUT THE
NATIONAL DEBT

GIVE THIS A ROLL OLD PAL

DON"T LET THE BOTTOM DROP OUT

JASPER DANDLER 6 3/4 COCKROACH BLDG DUSTYVILLE KANS
GEN BULLAHIVIKE PORT HUMBLE MOSCOW RUSSIA
I P FREELEY 7:30 A M SOUTHWEST CANN CITY KANS
PANSY PUSHOVER NECK & NECK APTS DOUCHEBAG ILL
A MANURE PYLE 123 COWFLOP LANE BARNYARD MO
BELL E ACHE HOTEL PUKE BEDBUG ARK

THIS PULL CHAIN LETTER WAS STARTED IN THE HOPE OF BRINGING
BACK PROSPERITY TO THE OLD BACK HOUSE AND RELIEF TO THE BOTTOM

DON"T PULL TOO HARD AND BREAK THE CHAIN
FRIEND
Shane
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 | 04:34 PM
Blister Said
"Look up the Send-A-Dime letter."

Yes its the same concept, and all theses schemes probably evloved from one another. One of the new letters I just recieved Starts out "In September 2001, my Car was repossessed and bill collectors were hounding me like you would'nt believe."
Also has "The text of the letter originally claimed to be "perfectly legal", citing Title 18, U.S. Code, Sections 1302 (which deals with postal lotteries) and 1341 (which deals with mail fraud).[4] The U.S. Postal Inspection Service cites 18 USC 1302[5]"

I suppose all Chain letters and Pyramid schemes are direct decendents of one another. Who knows they may have had similar schemes in the dark Ages dealing with Chicken Heads and lambs tails. Anyway I thought the above Parody was funny, I wonder if was really written in 1935.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 | 05:38 PM
Yup, chain letters go back to at least the Great Depression. Nothing really changes, other than the names and the amount asked for.

They can't change, really, because the promises made for them violate simple arithmetic and the fact that many people are tricked by the large numbers involved in them. The bottom line, though, is that just as 2+2 does not equal five, neither does 2 million plus two million equal five million.

Chain letters don't work (and are illegal) because they CANNOT work.
Ron
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 | 12:11 PM
I have been posting my reports at another blog which tried the letter experiment and failed. If you care to see the progression of posts, please go to the site titled "Why is this not a chain letter" the experiment by oopseek. As I have stated there, I have been a personal witness to a 20 year old employee of mine having the success we could only dream of. He is in the 3rd month since sending out 200 letters. He has received $600,000 thus far in $1.00 increments. The postal carrier delivers large boxes of envelopes daily to his home with the cash. I know how unbelievable this is and I personally have received nothing when I participated. He got extremely lucky with his opportunity seeker list that he purchased online. The people make the difference. If a significant % of people follow this as directed , these results can and will happen! I have seen the carrier deliver over 10000 letters in one delivery myself. Scoff if you want but his bank account says it all. I just hope he will by the business from me as I seek to retire. Since I didn't get lucky with my list of names, I will count on his incedible fortune instead. I hope!
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 | 01:32 PM
Ron, since you claim that this chain letter your "employee" is involved in is producing huge profits and, I can only assume, you believe it is legal, why not give us your friend's name?

I mean, you don't expect us to believe your story without some PROOF, do you?

"If a significant % of people follow this as directed , these results can and will happen!"

This statement by you defies simple arithmetic. In the interest of educating we poor masses who think that math is an exact science, would you please give us some documentation of your claims?

In the absence of any actual EVIDENCE, I'm calling bullshit on your story.
Ron
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 | 01:54 PM
I figured you would be the first to respond. I personally don't give a damn if YOU believe this or not. I have been catching up on this site's post and it's pretty obvious who is slinging the bullshit! My post was in response to all of those people who do not believe this is possible. I do not believe that this is a chain letter in the basic sense. My employee is not doing anything that the list companies have not been. He has asked for a fee to have a name added to his list of names. Is this not what the datafax website does when it sells you the list of opportunity seeker names and addresses? Just because he compiles a list at home on a computer disk and sells or distributes it doesn't mean he is not providing a service for the money. Anyone who wants to participate in his list has personally sent him a dollar to be added. Done Deal! If those that have paid want this list from him, they can obtain it. Providing his name doesn't prove squat and it wouldn't be to you for sure. It is very good to see others are benefitting to some varying degree. The doubters and judges of the world ( are you playing God here? ) need to know that they don't control all who might take a longshot at success without approval from you. And by the way, I received A's in math and anyone can figure out how the numbers DO WORK! Actually, all of the math is broke down in the letter for anyone to see and review. Pretty easy shit, huh? I had no success at this myself and many/most fail to get anything at all. Would I take more $200 chances and hope to hit the right list of names? You bet!!!
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 | 05:46 PM
Ron said:

"I figured you would be the first to respond. I personally don't give a damn if YOU believe this or not. I have been catching up on this site's post and it's pretty obvious who is slinging the bullshit!"

Gee, Ron, since you "figured" I'd be the first to respond, I guess you must have read a lot of this thread, right? In that case, you should be aware of the FACTUAL reasons that chain letters don't work as claimed and are illegal. They've been explained here several times. You DID read them, right?

I asked you for any actual FACTS you could supply to back up your story and as I expected, you can't give us any.

"My employee is not doing anything that the list companies have not been. He has asked for a fee to have a name added to his list of names."

Ron, Ron, Ron, that's been addressed more than once here. It isn't the LIST that's the problem, it's the use to which the list is put. NO ONE has ever said that lists are illegal. I'm sure you realize that, but playing dumb suits your purpose.

If you have ANY proof that what you're saying is true, please produce it or accept the fact that your story is not credible.
Ron
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 | 12:29 AM
This is my last post which should make "cranky" happy. Exposing someone's name will not prove anything. Short of a photograph showing him receiving the boxes of dollars or generating a youtube video as he opens each letter, I know of no way to prove anything I have stated. This would be up to this individual to do and not up to me. I think most readers on this site realize and understand that. The only winner here is this young man and his incredible luck. Those that want to deny the people who have written in to announce some success are the winners here and not "cranky" guy posts who blah, blah, blah you with the same old crap. I stumbled on this site by accident and I have no intentions other than share a "success story" I personally have witnessed and lived. There is no motivation for me here otherwise. I will let ALL the readers believe what they want. (yes, even you cranky ass). I am an honest person. I do not spin tales and take this far too seriously to exaggerate. It is unbelievable! I know this individual very well and have seen with my own eyes the results. I wish it had been me this time but I will keep trying. I know it can happen to anyone who is in the right place at the right time. I do not agree with the illegal portion. I did some research and allowed my personal attorney to view the letter before I tried it myself. The opinions are that this letter is NOT a chain letter and lists of this particular type are acceptable. Even if there is no further definition of the particular lists being created! The postal people frown on their oblogation to deliver the bulk mailings. The government would like to get at taxing this money but how do they do that? I don't understand "cranky's" factual claim comment. How can this not factually work when it does? The illegal part has differing opinions as I have already stated. It depends on who's giving the opinion. NOTHING has been proven by anyone in these posts about that. (talk about proving something, right Cranky?) But what can't be factual here? There are a number of people in this blog who have had success. Maybe not $600,000 worth, but some degree for sure. Imagine hitting on all cylinders and striking the motherlode. Well, that is what is happening in this case. Anyone who signs on to trying this is paying $7 to be added to someone's who's who. In exchange for that choice, they are telling 200 others that they themselves are creating their own list and will sign them up for a buck. What happens to these lists? When you send your $1, ask for a copy of that person's list with your name added. You may get cheated. It's a gamble. I didn't get anything for my bucks. Does that mean that someone else didn't? Ignore the crankies! It's nice to see someone succeed when others stand around and say it can't happen. It proves these people wrong and crankies are never wrong. Good luck to everyone out there and Thanks for the chance to share my story and opinions!
Ron
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 | 12:38 AM
Sorry, but I messed this up pretty bad in the last post. (I guess the above is now my next to last post). "Those that want to deny the people who have written in to announce some success are the winners here and not "cranky" guy posts who blah, blah, blah you with the same old crap". What I mean't to say was, those who want to deny the success of some are the losers here which includes cranky. Add the blahs at the end. Thanks again and I wish Everyone well.
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 | 01:16 AM
Ron said:

"I know of no way to prove anything I have stated."

Oh really?

"I did some research and allowed my personal attorney to view the letter before I tried it myself. The opinions are that this letter is NOT a chain letter and lists of this particular type are acceptable."

Ah, now we're talking. How about giving us the name of the attorney who told you that this chain letter is legal? Where does he/she practice law?

There should be no problem with doing that since this alleged lawyer gave you an opinion on the legality of this scam. He/she should be perfectly willing to tell US what they supposedly told YOU.

I won't hold my breath waiting for you to come forth with the name of this "lawyer" especially since you're stomping off because someone had the nerve to ask you to produce some proof that what you're claiming is true.

The FACTS about chain letters--including quotes from the U.S. Postal Service's website--are available in earlier parts of this thread. Opinions about how *this* chain letter isn't REALLY a chain letter are nonsense. The courts have ruled more than once that it's the INTENT of the letter which makes it illegal. That "I paid to be put on a list" nonsense has been refuted several times already.

"Ron," like every other B.S. artist who has passed through here, hurls insults at me as a distraction from the FACTS. They don't change anything and I just laugh at them.
KarenESP
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 | 02:33 PM
I like to 'play dumb' once in a while, makes other ppl feel superior.

Peace, Karen
KarenESP
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 | 02:36 PM
I like to play dumb once in a while, makes people feel better around me.

Peace, Karen 😉 :ohh:
KarenESP
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 | 02:37 PM
Guess I just proved my point but am contending technical difficulties....

PEACE
KarenESP
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 | 02:38 PM
Hey Cranky One and Shane...

did you guys have a nice Holiday?
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 | 05:19 PM
The holidays were just dandy on this end, thank you very much.
Imjustamom
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 | 12:49 AM
What, are we all BFF's now. Why how was your new year Karen? Cranky, have any good resolutions for 09' ? And what did Santa bring you this year Shane? I didn't get much from Santa, but I did get two new chain letters in the mail. Lucky me.
Imjustamom
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 | 12:54 AM
Than Ron guy is so obnoxiously full of crap, it really makes me laugh. But the site he references is actually really interesting to read, I would highly recommend it.
http://oppseek.wordpress.com/
KarenESP
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 | 04:52 AM
Hi Utah Mommy,

Im sorry I forgot to ask about your Holidays. Thank you for sharing.

Didnt realize you were still hear and didnt read much, just popped in.

Of course we are all bff's - cranky and shane are merely trying to ward off unneccesary prosecution for those who might not know better. They just have a "unique" style to their posts, that's all.
The Darn Blister
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 | 02:16 PM
My holidays went pretty well, too. One sad note when work resumed afterwards though; a retired co-worker passed away over the holidays.

We'll miss Jo.
chain letter scams
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 | 09:03 PM
these are stupid scams and illegal anyways, just simple pyramids
KarenESP
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 | 11:27 PM
Utah mom -

Santa brought me big screen tv and kereoke set complete with electric guitar, lots of chocolate which Im paying for now. I feel a little guilty but it sure is fun watching Pirates of the Carribean - Curse of the Black Pearl on the Big Screen.

You would think I hit it big with chain letter but SHANE... I think boyfriend hit the credit cards hard instead! We're doing our part to spur the economy though, mind you!! Hyuck Hyuck...

No more chain letters, I stand still at a total of TWO. One very professional looking and one totally cheesy looking.
KarenESP
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 | 06:12 PM
Guess what I got in the mail... your getting warm... warmer... warmer...

yes - another letter.

With a dutiful nod to the upstanding law abiders (Mr. C. and Mr. S.)

c'mon - nobodies getting busted for this. This is the third one! And they're putting their return addresses right smack on the evelopes. I dont think the PO really gives a crap.

The thing that bothers me is I got three letters, so they are overusing the data base, don't cha' think?

Anywho... I'll go now. Dont want to rabble the ranks too much.

Think summer everybody.
KarenESP
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 | 06:15 PM
Hi Darn Blister,

Excuse my manners. Didnt see you note cause I ran in here so exciting waving my third letter 'an all...

I'm glad to hear your Holidays went well and sorry to hear about the loss of your colleague.

Perhaps I should have made that two sentences under the circumstances.

Sincerely, Karen
The Darn Blister
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 | 04:20 PM
If anybody wants a laugh, take a look at the chain letter at http://ragingbull.quote.com/mboard/boards.cgi?board=MILLION&read=3803

Read the final paragraphs carefully. What the heck drugs was this guy taking to fall for THAT?
And he had the nerve to claim he'd made 2 million in 3 months from it. I'm thinking of holding him to his claims and reporting that money to the IRS so he has to pay taxes on what he said he got.
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 | 01:59 AM
Hey Blister, last I heard, if you turn in a tax fraud and he/she is successfully prosecuted, you stand to get 10% of what the IRS collects. There's a form you can get from them to report such a person. It might be worth your time to follow through on that.
The Darn Blister
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 | 04:35 AM
The problem with that is that you have to be an American citizen to do it, I believe. And if I remember right, you're not anonymous when reporting to gain a reward for it.

Just reporting him for the fraud, doesn't need the citizenship, and retains anonymity.

Of course, I could be completely misunderstanding things.
Shane
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 | 12:39 PM
The guy would most likely just be put in jail for Fraud.
Shane
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 | 01:28 PM
Well hopefully for the same reasons that the Ponzi scheme artists are.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 | 01:34 PM
Hmm, I don't know about the citizenship but I'm pretty sure that you remain anonymous. It would be silly of them to NOT allow people to remain anonymous becaus of the potential for retaliation.

So, you're not a 'Murican? You're a furriner?
Shane
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 | 02:47 PM
"So, you're not a 'Murican? You're a furriner?"


A Furry Nerd you say?

has this scheme gone international. I would think so to an extent.
Shane
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 | 03:12 PM
"So, you're not a 'Murican? You're a furriner?"

A Furry Nerd you say?

Has this scheme gone international yet. I would think so.
But yes I agree with Crank I do believe you would remain anonymous.
The Darn Blister
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 | 11:37 PM
Wuf!
*wags his tail playfully*
Shane
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 | 01:58 PM
Blister speaks very good English.

So I cant help but guess what breed.

English BullDog, or Australian Ridgeback?

Haha no offense intended.
The Darn Blister
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 | 04:22 PM
Werecorgi
Sebastian
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 | 09:45 PM
It sounds to me like the only people who are claiming that this letter is "illegal" are those who believe that getting easy money is wrong. If it was really illegal, you would hear of people getting busted right and left for this type of thing. Funny, you don't! If they arent going to prosecute your, then it is not illegal. If you dont get caught, it is not illegal, and finally, if they bust you, then they will have to bust everyone else!
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 | 01:29 AM
Sebastian, it's obvious that you haven't read very much of this thread. If you HAD, you would have seen where the very laws which make chain letters illegal have been quoted from and linked to.

"If it was really illegal, you would hear of people getting busted right and left for this type of thing. Funny, you don't! If they arent going to prosecute your, then it is not illegal. If you dont get caught, it is not illegal..."

Your "logic" is irrational. You may not be aware of this but most people who rob banks are never caught and therefore never prosecuted. Using your reasoning, since that's the case, bank robbery must be legal. Many murderers get away with it, too, so obviously murder is legal as well. Duh.

Again, if you had read the thread, you would have seen links to stories about people who HAVE been prosecuted for operating chain letters. That would have spoiled your silly premise, though, huh?

I notice that you don't address the fact that it's slimy and immoral to rip people off by lying to them that they are "guaranteed" to make BIG money if they'll wasted a few bucks on a chain letter scam.

Chain letters are started by scumbags like yourself who don't give a shit who they lie to or hurt so long as they come out ahead. We have a name for people like that: CRIMINALS.
The Darn Blister
Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 | 02:14 PM
Actually, the rate of capture on bank robbers in modern times is higher than the percentage of home burglars who get caught.

It's amazing what video cameras in bank lobbies can do.
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 | 01:05 AM
Oh, alright, I'll spot you the bank robbers. A lot of murders still go unsolved, however.

Anyway, you get my point. Sheesh! Damn sticklers.
Shane
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 | 03:22 PM
Blister said

"Werecorgi"

When the moon is full and you transform it must be really hard to scratch your ears. Corgis have some short legs.


"Actually, the rate of capture on bank robbers in modern times is higher than the percentage of home burglars who get caught."

Sometimes is amazing that many people still do not get caught. But yes I got burgularized a few years back, and they never caught the SOB, or DOB (gotta be politically correct).
Sophia
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 | 04:50 PM
I just received a letter yesterday and I am considering trying it out. I have read everyone's
comments, and even read section 1302 and 1342
and I do not see where this is illegal. Sure there is a big risk, however whats $200 to lose if you got the money to risk. Also it is only a dollar, you're sending to 6 people, you're spending most of your money on the copies and postage. I see it as people helping people, and
if people would follow through then there is the
potential to earn money.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 | 05:04 PM
Sophia said:

"I just received a letter yesterday and I am considering trying it out. I have read everyone's
comments, and even read section 1302 and 1342
and I do not see where this is illegal."

If you go to usps.gov and use "chain letter" as your key word, you'll see a very clear explanation of why chain letters are illegal. They are and have been since at least the 1930's.

"I see it as people helping people, and
if people would follow through then there is the
potential to earn money."

The problems with the notion that chain letters can benefit all participants have been explained over and over and over again in detail in this thread. Please go back to some of the earlier pages and see what those problems are.

That "people helping people" nonsense is used by many scam artists. When I was a radio DJ in the Allentown, PA area back in the 80's, a pyramid scheme called "Airplane" came through the area. It used the same phony rhetoric about "people helping people." When the dust settled, hundreds of people were out thousands of dollars each. Con artists use whatever wording will induce people to give them money. Nothing ever really changes in the world of the con. The only person likely to get rich off a chain letter is the person who starts one.
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 | 05:15 PM
Sophia, because I'm SUCH a swell guy, I'm going to save you some labor. This is copied and pasted directly from the U.S. Postal Service's website:

"There's at least one problem with chain letters. They're illegal if they request money or other items of value and promise a substantial return to the participants. Chain letters are a form of gambling, and sending them through the mail (or delivering them in person or by computer, but mailing money to participate) violates Title 18, United States Code, Section 1302, the Postal Lottery Statute. (Chain letters that ask for items of minor value, like picture postcards or recipes, may be mailed, since such items are not things of value within the meaning of the law.)

"The main thing to remember is that a chain letter is simply a bad investment. You certainly won't get rich. You will receive little or no money. The few dollars you may get will probably not be as much as you spend making and mailing copies of the chain letter.

"Chain letters don't work because the promise that all participants in a chain letter will be winners is mathematically impossible. Also, many people participate, but do not send money to the person at the top of the list. Some others create a chain letter that lists their name numerous times--in various forms with different addressee. So, in reality, all the money in a chain is going to one person.

"Do not be fooled if the chain letter is used to sell inexpensive reports on credit, mail order sales, mailing lists, or other topics. The primary purpose is to take your money, not to sell information. "Selling" a product does not ensure legality. Be doubly suspicious if there's a claim that the U.S. Postal Service or U.S. Postal Inspection Service has declared the letter legal. This is said only to mislead you. Neither the Postal Service nor Postal Inspectors give prior approval to any chain letter."

That help you any?
Bug
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 | 05:15 PM
OMG. I can't believe I went through all 63 pages of this stuff. I want to thank you all for the research and opinions. I tossed my letter, but I do have some questions. Crank, have you actually read the letter in question? Are you really Al Franken? Going back a few pages... I thought "tool" referred to a particular part of a man's anatomy. (NEVER trust Wikipedia.) Back to the letter... this thing has been circulating for YEARS! Don't you think it should have died out by now if it didn't work for a few (yeah, yeah, I know it can't work for everybody?)
Jody
Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2009 | 07:08 PM
I have read like 40 pages of this crap. Who gives a sh**! Cranky you are a loser. Simply put. You need a LIFE. These letters are here whether you like it or not. They are NOT going to go away. You can argue for another 3 years, that will not change the fact of whether its legal or illegal. I for 1 do not care. No matter how much you have chronic diarrhea of the mouth, people will judge things without you. You have NO bearing on anyone's choices. Get over it.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 | 01:22 AM
Jody said:

"I have read like 40 pages of this crap. Who gives a sh**! Cranky you are a loser. Simply put. You need a LIFE."

You're absolutely right, Jody. I'm a HUGE loser. In fact, I'm SUCH a loser that the only way a person could be a BIGGER loser than me would be by reading 40 pages of my "worthless" postings and then childishly commenting on them.

"You have NO bearing on anyone's choices."

Funny, I seem to have had an influence on YOUR choices.

"Get over it."

You first.
Jody
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 | 03:28 AM
Your not the only one who left comments, many many others have. I know you like to be center of attention here, but your not. You have a influence over MY choices?? You do not make any sense whatsoever. I think you have been on this forum for way toooo long. I wont be here for 3 years let alone 3 days arguing with you or anyone else. Nothing is worth that much of my time. I think over the last 3 years you have grown quite delusional and obsessive over this stupid topic. Well, I for one wont be back, I know you will be here forever arguing and in the end..with yourself haha.
hcmomof4
in So. Cal.
 Member
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 | 08:17 AM
Jody has obviously not read the other threads that have also taken over CMG's life, if she thinks he's obsessed with only this topic...

I wasn't aware that CMG actually LIVED here though. I mean... did they give him a bed and everything?
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 | 03:45 PM
Jody said:

"Your not the only one who left comments, many many others have. I know you like to be center of attention here, but your not."

I'm the only one you mentioned in your initial comment, Jody.

I love how you "know" what I think. Can I hire your psychic act for my next party?

By the way, the word you want is "you're," not "your." Using the wrong word when you're insulting someone just makes you look stupid.

"You have a influence over MY choices?? You do not make any sense whatsoever."

You chose to throw childish insults at my comments, so, yes, in that way, I "influenced" your actions. Duh. I thought that was obvious.

"I think over the last 3 years you have grown quite delusional and obsessive over this stupid topic."

Can you provide any evidence of my being "delusional" about this topic? Just so you understand, that would mean that I'm WRONG about it in some way (hence the "delusion"). What have I said that's wrong? Or is this just another one of your baseless insults?

"Well, I for one wont be back, I know you will be here forever arguing and in the end..with yourself haha."

Darn. You added SO much to the discussion about chain letters. I'm SURE you'll just run off--and NOT secretly lurk to see if we're talking about you. Uh huh.

In any event, buh-bye.

[And another one bites the dust.]
Omonitorifysilicera
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 | 04:59 PM
Cranky Media Guy~
It amazes me how rude you are to people. Not saying your the only one but by far you are the worst. The people who are defending this are people who are just looking for hope, why can't you just accept that? I'm sure that they've read some of the thread so they know all of the information that you insist on reapeating over and over so i'm just curious as to when your going to stop? Ever? How about instead of reposting what you've already stated or thinking of sassy ways to re-word it you just tell them to go back in the thread and read what you've already said? Maybe you'll be a less angry person and people will actually start respecting you.
I'm only 19 so excuse me if i don't have the same intelligence as you. Just keep that in mind when you spend your time thinking of how to respond to this.
Can't wait to read your sassy remarks, just try not to be mean.
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