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 6 of 30 pages ‹ First  < 4 5 6 7 8 >  Last ›
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 | 02:06 AM
I don't know what you "detect," Greg, but I don't feel any "hostility" toward you. What difference would it make if I did, anyway? I am not the topic of this thread. The topic is chain letters, their legality and their practicality. You know, the things you could easily acertain for yourself by making a visit to any library of decent size to read a book on scams.

Oh, that's right, I keep forgetting, facts just get in the way when you've talked yourself into something.
GREG
Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 | 06:22 AM
Calm Down Sparky
Charybdis
in Hell
 Member
Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 | 09:57 AM
Greg, are you actually planning on discussing this and addressing the issues we've raise, or are you simply interested in insulting us because you have no argument to present?

The latter is flaming and is not tolerated.
purple nurple
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 | 04:25 PM
So you got the letter on a sunday huh? lol.
enough said.
Amanda
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 | 07:09 PM
It's not illegal when you're compiling a mailing list. Cranky Boy/Charybdis in Hell can argue it to no end without logic, I see that. However, I'm going to send the 6 dollars and 200 letters just for kicks. If more people took a chance on this, the return could definitely be $800,000. It's just up to the receivers of the letter to be openminded to financial prosperity, and not allow negative people to derail their success.

DON'T LISTEN TO CRANKY BOY. HE OBVIOUSLY HAS A SERIOUS MENTAL DISORDER THAT HOPEFULLY HE RECEIVES HELP FOR ASAP. RED FLAG FOLKS!!!!! YOU JUST MAY BE WATCHING THE EVENING NEWS, AND THE GUY WHO WENT "POSTAL" IS THE SAME CAT.

AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN I URGE CRAZY BOY TO SEEK PROFFESIONAL HELP FROM A WELL TRAINED PSYCHIATRIST. YOU CLEARLY DISPLAY SIGNS OF EXTREME OBSESSIVE and SKITZO DEFFECTIVE DISSORDER; HENCE YOUR SPLIT PERSONALITY: Charybdis in Hell. THERE ARE MEDICATIONS FOR THAT AS WELL. BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOURS.

Take a chance people. Don't allow negative outside forces to instill fear in your mind. Some of these systems CAN work. Just use your logic and apply rationalism to the model.
Amanda
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 | 07:26 PM
One more thing. I love you Greg. You have a great sense of humor. And Nicole....You Go Girl! You have the right attitude.
Greg
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 | 10:50 PM
YEE---HAA

It's about time we get someone in the mix with a brain.

ALRIGHT AMANDA

These guys have tunnel vision....They just don't want to accept the fact that it can work.

Lanky and scabydis are very ANAL-RETENTIVE

Wikipedia: The term is often used in a derogatory sense to describe a person with such attention to detail that the obsession becomes an annoyance to others, and can be carried out to the detriment of the so-called anal-retentive person.

Let's break em Amanda....
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 | 02:05 AM
Amanda in California said:

"It's not illegal when you're compiling a mailing list. Cranky Boy/Charybdis in Hell can argue it to no end without logic, I see that."

Let me see if I understand you, Amanda. You believe a chain letter is legal if you say that it's only a "mailing list." That's what you're claiming, right?

Hmm, I wonder what the U.S. Postal Service (Post Office) says about that. Let's look, shall we?

"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." (capitalization mine)

Hmm, gee, that sure seems to say that you're completely wrong, doesn't it?

Tell you what. Since I'm such a nice guy, I'm willing to overlook your juvenile insults and give you one more chance to prove your point.

Since the Post Office seems so very clear on this point, I'm curious about what FACTS you might have that demonstrate that YOUR "mailing list" isn't exactly the kind of thing it's referring to as illegal.

If you can come up with some actual FACTS and refrain from irrelevant schoolyard insults, you just might be surprised at my response.

So, what do you have to show us all?

As for Greg, well, he seems to have given up defending the alleged legality of chain letters and is now left with trying to prove that 2+2=5.
david in ohio
Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 | 09:26 PM
i received this letter last week and i am going to try it. i received a letter similar to this way back in the day. I actually only sent out 5 bucks to five people and never sent any letters to anybody-it was about 2 weeks later i actually received a 5 dollar bill from somebody. I still didnt try it. so it begs the question what to expect if i try? I mean all this is really is sending out as many letters as possible and hoping to extract a certain pct of responses.No different than a tribe of indians shooting hundreds of arrows at the cowboys, some are gonna stick, right? I like to think of myself as rational,but if i don't ever beleive in anything what then? To the people that have or are going to try please follow up with your experiences, let us know- I know I wont make 800,000 , but i might make 3,000 and buy that nice bedroom suit i want for christmas. To everyone posting a thread,,,PLEASE do not even respond to cranky weird ass, dont you see he gets off just having these arguments with you. From here on out, whatever he says, we will not respond to him, do not even mention his name, lets just all respond to each other. If nobody argues with him who can he talk to?????? John Lennon-you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one!!
david
Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 | 09:34 PM
greg, i beleive this will work to some extent. I'm expecting the worst and hoping for the best.I would be interested in exchanging info as we go along and see how we all are doing. I am questioning the need to buy a mailing list though. I don't see why I cant get in the phone book and randomly select people to mail to. There are plenty of people in ohio the i'm sure if i mailed enough i could get a response from.anyway i can copy 200 letters for free at work, so all i would invest would be the initial 6 dollars and then 82.00 for the stamps. Been there done that at the sports bars just last weekend
Greg
Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 | 11:35 PM
OHIO.....How about those Indians??
They are going to knock my Sox right out of the playoffs.

Yea..we'll talk
Its late now and I gotta get up early.

Later

Sweet Dreams Spanky and Chary the sea nymph.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 | 02:22 AM
David said:

"PLEASE do not even respond to cranky weird ass, dont you see he gets off just having these arguments with you. From here on out, whatever he says, we will not respond to him, do not even mention his name, lets just all respond to each other. If nobody argues with him who can he talk to??????"

And people wonder why those in cults have bizarre beliefs. It just might have something to do with deliberately ignoring information from outside the cult, you know?

I've said this before but apparantly some of you are a wee bit thick: you aren't arguing with ME, you're arguing with the United States Postal Service and the FBI. *I'm* not the one who made the laws that say that chain letters are illegal. Sticking your fingers in your ears and saying, "I can't hear you! I can't hear you!" (metaphorically speaking) isn't going to cut it.

With each new posting, you folks show how determined you are to ignore reality. Chary and I have REPEATEDLY shown you that chain letters involving the exchange of money are illegal. I've also show you that the math doesn't work.

You apologists, on the other hand, have NEVER offered a single fact to support your point of view. We have gotten NOT ONE fact from you, despite repeated requests for evidence that you're correct.

I do not speak for this website in any way, but I can tell you that if I ran it, I certainly wouldn't allow it to be used to disseminate information about how to commit a crime, which is what you all seem to want to do.

You have been shown SEVERAL TIMES NOW that the Postal Service most definitely says that chain letters are illegal. You cannot credibly claim at this point that you aren't aware of that fact.

Ignorance of the law is never a viable defense, but you all have transcended that. You know full well that chain letters are illegal; you choose to continue with them anyway.

Intelligent people should be able to read between the lines here. When I see illiterate nonsense like, " YOU CLEARLY DISPLAY SIGNS OF EXTREME OBSESSIVE and SKITZO DEFFECTIVE DISSORDER," though, I realize that I may be giving some of you too much credit.

In any case, I would be very careful how I proceeded from this point forward if I were you. You have been warned. 'Nuff said.
Greg
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 | 07:31 AM
Why would you threaten us you troubled little man.
Nobody is arguing. This is a forum....I look at it kinda like a talk show. (Jerry Springer) It seems like you can't handle any opposition. I'm am beginning to see that you are an ignorant human being, with nothing better to do than to find wrong in everything everyone does.
You have pushed this debate to a point where it is "No Fun Anymore"
There is always that person that throws the proverbial Monkey Wrench into things. I'm not refering to you "throwing it" into the so called chain letter. I'm talking about someone like you that can ruin a cool ongoing debate like this with seriousness beyond belief and threats.

Lighten up Stanky.
david
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 | 04:33 PM
greg, i am interested in any success you may have in this venture. Also i welcome any other threads from anyone else.Whether you actually made money or didnt get any responses.

YES, indians vs rockies , should be a good series!

Again I welcome comments from people who have tried. I have work to go do, if you know what I mean 😊
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 | 02:29 AM
Greg, I have NO idea why you feel "threatened." After all, you've been saying all along that chain letters are completely legal, right? What could I possibly do to "threaten" you under those circumstances?

Unless, of course, you know full well that chain letters AREN'T legal. After all, you've been shown (several times) the exact part of the Postal Service's website wherein it SAYS that they aren't legal.

So, Greg, are you finally admitting the painfully obvious or are you going to keep pretending that you think they're legal? When did this become "No Fun Anymore"? When you realized that discussing the commission of a crime in a public forum could have consequences?

Hey, I just remembered. Weren't you all going to ignore me?
greg was here
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 | 05:21 AM
It would be like ignoring CANCER!!!

Nobody is discussing committing a crime.We are talking about chain letters.
I am beginning to think you are one of the most ignorant people alive.
Consequences? For talking about a chain letter.
Isn't that what the Forum is all about.
It's time for me to move on, not out of fear though.
I just have to move on because I am exhausted. This is like argueing with my girlfriend.

Bye Ladies
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 | 06:57 AM
Greg said:

"Nobody is discussing committing a crime.We are talking about chain letters."

You're going to play that "It isn't a crime if I pretend not to know it is" card all the way, huh?

The crime wouldn't be TALKING ABOUT chain letters, Greggie. After all, I'm doing that myself, aren't I? The crime would be participating in one. Duh.

As I pointed out to what's-her-name a while back, it really isn't the smartest thing in the world to talk about how you're breaking the law (or plan to break the law) in a public forum and also try to talk other people into committing the same crime (but then again, I figured out that you weren't the sharpest knife in the drawer some time ago).

"I am beginning to think you are one of the most ignorant people alive."

Because I wasn't convinced by your total lack of facts (and your stubborn refusal to accept the facts that DO exist) that chain letters are legal and work? Yup, *I'm* the dumb one here, Greggie.

"Consequences? For talking about a chain letter.
Isn't that what the Forum is all about."

"Talking" is one thing; trying to talk people into committing a crime is another altogether. Funny how you're running off right after I pointed out that doing things like that can have real consequences. If participating in a chain letter is totally legal, Greggie, what could I possibly do that would make trouble for you? As some people like to say, if you haven't done anything wrong, what do you have to worry about?

"It's time for me to move on, not out of fear though."

Of course not! Who could POSSIBLY think something like that? It's just completely coincidental that you're running away with your tail between your legs right after I dropped a hint that you were getting yourself in deeper and deeper. No connection at all. Ri-i-i-i-i-ght.

"I just have to move on because I am exhausted. This is like argueing with my girlfriend."

Two sentences, two lies. *laugh*

By the way, running away from here at this point doesn't necessarily mean that there isn't potential trouble in your near future. You're welcome.
greg
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 | 08:50 AM
Bring it on Sparky.....
First of all..I never participated.
And secondly, if I do participate why would I tell you.
You would just want some of the money....ha ha
I'm only back because you sounded upset that I was leaving.
Again, you sound like my girlfriend.
Are you a Peruvian Woman disguised as a not so bright man?
You are just like her. I say one thing and you hear another.
greg
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 | 08:58 AM
I said..........
"Nobody is discussing committing a crime.We are talking about chain letters."

You heard...Chain Letters Aren't a Crime
Here was your response:
You're going to play that "It isn't a crime if I pretend not to know it is" card all the way, huh?

I didn't say anything about crime. I just said we are discussing chain letters.

(talk about not being the sharpest knife in the drawer.....duh)
Tail between my legs....I don't get that one.

Hey Wanky..My mother used to call me Greggie.
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 | 03:02 AM
You've spent weeks claiming that chain letters are legal despite being shown that the post office says, in clear, simple English, that they are ILLEGAL.

Now you're claiming that your own words don't mean what they clearly mean.

Wow, that's World Class self-delusion, Greggie.

As I've said several times to you, your disagreement isn't with ME, it's with the U.S. Postal Service's investigative division and the FBI.

If you find yourself in trouble in the near future for trying to induce other people to take part in an illegal scam, it won't be ME you have to explain things to. That "it isn't illegal if I want to believe it isn't" thing won't work with them, Greggie. Hey, I tried to warn you.

"Tail between my legs....I don't get that one."

New to my country, Greggie? It's a common colloquialism in America.
Amanda
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 | 02:19 PM
WHOOOO! It's a little funky in here.

Hey Greg. Thanks for the warm welcome.
Love the yee-haw and all that comes with it.

So, I see there's been a lot of drama since I've been away (Please, don't misconstrue drama for "crime"). Blah, Blah, Blah.

Anyways, just wanted to say hello and give a shout out to my peeps (can't wait to hear a critique on my wordage).
Whats up Greg!
Whats up David! (I'm with you baby)
Welcome to the twilight zone. It's good to have you. Just so you know, mission 'Pay It Forward' launches on Monday. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Have a great weekend y'all.
-Does anybody watch UFC? I'm a martial arts junkie. Bet you couldn't imagine who I'd like to see in an arm triangle choke hold this weekend...

...Oh you're so bad it's almost criminal!
tonya
Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 | 10:14 AM
So, Greg, did you ever send out the letters? What ever happened to Jill? Did she ever say if she made anything?
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 | 01:58 AM
For Greg, Tonya, Jill and others, the following text from the United States Postal Service website (http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/fraud/chainlet.htm) is invisible:

"A chain letter is a "get rich quick" scheme that promises that your mail box will soon be stuffed full of cash if you decide to participate. You're told you can make thousands of dollars every month if you follow the detailed instructions in the letter.

"A typical chain letter includes names and addresses of several individuals whom you may or may not know. You are instructed to send a certain amount of money--usually $5--to the person at the top of the list, and then eliminate that name and add yours to the bottom. You are then instructed to mail copies of the letter to a few more individuals who will hopefully repeat the entire process. The letter promises that if they follow the same procedure, your name will gradually move to the top of the list and you'll receive money -- lots of it.

"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.)"

For other people, who can see things even if they are unpleasant, the meaning of those three paragraphs is extremely clear. Facts is facts, folks.
tonya
Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 | 08:38 PM
Really, I wanted to hear something interesting. I think I have read that same response a million times. I don't care if its illegal, CMG has made himself clear. I just want to know if Greg or Jill did well or not.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 | 02:16 AM
Tonya said;

"I don't care if its illegal, CMG has made himself clear. I just want to know if Greg or Jill did well or not."

Thanks for finally verifying what I suspected all along, that you know chain letters are illegal and simply don't care.

Anyone one else want to unburden themselves?
tonya
Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 | 10:26 PM
whats the big deal? Speeding is illegal, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign is illegal. Im sure you break the law in one way or the other.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 | 01:26 AM
Tonya said:

"whats the big deal? Speeding is illegal, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign is illegal."

So, your logic is that two wrongs make a right? Wow.

You know, everytime I assume that I'm dealing with rational ADULTS, you guys prove me wrong.

Of course I've driven too fast on occasion, Tonya. Speeding, however, is NOT a Federal offense. Promulgating a chain letter, however, IS. Why do you think the Postal Service's Investigative Department gets involved? This ain't doing 40 in a 25, Tonya.

Like our little pal, Greg, you seem to think that you need to convince me that you aren't breaking the law (or considering breaking the law) by committing a felony.

I keep trying to explain to you people that it's not ME you have to worry about, it's the Postal Service and FBI. Try using that speeding analogy if you get into trouble with them; I'm sure they need the laugh.
Ron
Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 | 10:40 AM
Id much rather break the law by sending chain letters out than going 40MPH in a 25 MPH zone, you could kill someone! Sending chain letters out will not hurt anyone (except maybe yourself with the money you lose).
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 | 01:36 AM
Ah, the self-deluded are SO entertaining!

Ron said:

"Sending chain letters out will not hurt anyone (except maybe yourself with the money you lose)."

I'm confused, Ron. How could you possible lose money when Greg and the others here assure me that a chain letter is not only legal but a sure thing?

If you had actually bothered to read some of the postings here, Ron, you would see exactly WHY chain letters don't work. But that would burst the little bubble you've constructed for yourself, wouldn't it?

Randy said:

"I am getting some money back and just reading CMG responses, seems he has some major issues.I say it to other visitors here, it seems to be working for me."

So, you're confessing in a public forum to breaking Federal law by running an illegal chain letter? Wow, that IS stupid!

By the way, exactly what "issues" do I have, Stupid Randy? I've explained and SHOWN you exactly why I say what I say about chain letters. Oh, I know, you DON'T LIKE facts that disagree with your uninformed opinion. Hey, Greg, I think you've found your soulmate.

I now pronounce you Dumb and Dumber.
Ron
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 | 11:16 AM
Cranky Media Guy said:

"If you had actually bothered to read some of the postings here, Ron, you would see exactly WHY chain letters don't work. But that would burst the little bubble you've constructed for yourself, wouldn't it?"

CMG, did I ever say that they worked? I know they don't work. What I'm saying is if someone wants to mail them out just shut your mouth and let them. It's not hurting you is it! OK, I know, they are illegal - SO WHAT! - Who gives a shit. Are you the FBI or something. Let them learn for themselves they don't work.
Charybdis
in Hell
 Member
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 | 11:35 AM
Ron, Cranky is attempting to warn people who may be looking for honest information about chain letters and stumble onto this site. To do so he has to counter the frauds, griefers, and con artists that, for whatever reason, seem intent on arguing that black is white.

The fact of the matter is that the United States federal government defines chain letters and clearly states that they are illegal. This has been posted many times in this thread. Until such time as these laws are successfully challenged in court the illegality of them is unquestionable, the efforts of Greg and his admirers notwithstanding.

Nobody has yet bothered to address this directly. They claim theirs isn't a chain letter, but they either don't go into specifics or they do and the specifics are exactly the same as for a chain letter. When asked about this they either restate that theirs isn't illegal or they ignore the question altogether. Not too surprising that a (sometimes admitted) scammer would dodge the question, is it?
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 | 03:05 PM
Thanks, Chary. Yup, that sums it up quite well.

So, we've now gone from "They're perfectly legal and work for all participants. You don't know what you're talking about" to "I know they're illegal and don't work, but just SHUT UP ABOUT IT!"

Makes one suspect the motivation of a person who would say that, doesn't it?
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 | 03:02 PM
Randy said:

"golly gee, you guys have me quivering in my boots."

Good to see you're so sanguine about Federal felonies.

I'm enjoying watching the "Chain letters are LEGAL and they DO work" nonsense dissolve in front of my eyes. What we've come to is "I know damn well they're an illegal scam. I just don't care." I've been saying--accurately--all along that if you operate a chain letter, you're a criminal. At long last, you are agreeing with me (and the Post Office and FBI).

Welcome to the World of Reality.
Semiwhatsit
Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 | 07:05 PM
Cranky Media Guy, your name perfectly describes your personality. More than three years of saying, "IT'S ILLEGAL!!!" Are you getting tired of caring about these people yet?

I got this letter today for the second time in my life and after doing it perfectly the first time and not receiving one dollar, I knew right away to throw it in the garbage. It's great to live in a country where we have the hope to get rich quick, but sometimes that possibility makes us forget to work hard instead of hanging all of our hopes on a get-rich-quick scheme. Work hard people. It pays off and gives great satisfaction.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 | 01:31 AM
Semiwhatsit said:

"Cranky Media Guy, your name perfectly describes your personality. More than three years of saying, "IT'S ILLEGAL!!!" Are you getting tired of caring about these people yet?"

Well, that depends on who "these people" are. As I've said before, my participation here isn't so much for the people who post here who pretty clearly intend to rip others off, it's for the people they intend to rip off.

With the economy souring, it's predictable that a lot of people will seek ways to make money fast. Some of them will fall for scams like chain letters and lose money they can ill afford to lose. I'd like to help keep them from giving money to scam artists.

As for the repetition of the same few points over and over, well, it isn't reasonable to expect that everone will read the thread from the beginning. The repetition insures that they will see the salient points: chain letters are ILLEGAL and chain letters DON'T WORK. 😊

As for me being tired after three years, wouldn't that question be better directed at people who insist on telling the same lies over and over?
Charybdis
in Hell
 Member
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 | 10:22 AM
Insults instead of argument. Where have we seen that behaviour before? 😉
Amanda
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 | 10:31 AM
HENCE THEE ARM-TRIANGLE-CHOKE-HOLD!!!
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 | 03:10 PM
Ah, threats of violence, the last refuge of those who have no cogent argument.

People get SO testy when someone shoots holes in their lies, don't they?
Greg
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 | 03:36 PM
WHATS UP?
Amanda
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 | 04:50 PM
Arm triangle choke (or simply arm triangle) is a generic term describing chokeholds in which the opponent is strangled in between his or her own shoulder and the performers arm. It's used in martial arts.

Now remember the highschool days?........

It always broke my heart to see kids being picked on and harassed by the bigger kids. I would often jump in and stick up for the one being picked on, cause it really ticked me off. But then there was that one kid. The one you couldn't help but dislike no matter how hard you tried. "THE EXCEPTION". The kid who everyone hated and couldn't stand. The one that even the teacher secretly wanted to strangle because he was just so annoying.

I often wonder and think back, "Gee. I wonder what ever happened to that kid. Where is he? What does he do? What is he like now?"

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is what happened to that kid! I give you...."Cranky Media Guy"
Nuff said!
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 01:27 AM
Let's see...there are two sides to this discussion. I have consistently told the truth about chain letters, explaining through the use of FACTS that they are illegal and a scam.

The other side, on the other hand, tells lies, claiming that chain letters are LEGAL and can make money for all participants, even after it has been show conclusively (and repeatedly) that those two statements are inaccurate.

Which one gets threatened with violence? Me. Fascinating.

The only conclusion I can draw is that at least some of you are involved in trying to scam people out of money and you're afraid that my telling the TRUTH about chain letters will screw up your little crime. Too bad for you.

As for my personal response to your juvenile threats, I'm laughing at your impotent rage.

Stop telling lies and I'll stop proving that you're lying.
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 01:42 AM
Here's some more of those FACTS that make you would-be scammers so angry that you want to choke me:

http://skepdic.com/pyramid.html

Any newcomers to this thread who are wondering about the legality of chain letters should read that. It'll clear things up for you nicely.
Greg
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 05:20 AM
Boom Chuga luga luga
Boom Chuga luga luga
Boom Chuga luga luga
Boom

That's A Fact Jack

Lighten Up Spanky
Amanda
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 08:15 AM
You're such a party pooper Cranky! Let your hair down for just one moment in time and stop focusing on living your life by the Penal Codes. That's got to be stressful man. Did you get burned by scammers before? Really, what's your deal? Talk to me. All jokes aside, I'm in a caring and civil mood.
Amanda
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 02:13 PM
----I'm still confused if I'd be butch or lipstick when I go to prison. I really want to try and fit in while paying my penance.

Hmmm....what did Martha do?
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 02:38 PM
I'm SO sorry that the FACTS don't happen to agree with the happy little world you've all constructed for yourselves.

I realize you'd all prefer to lie with the intent of taking money from other people. As I said before, too bad for you.

When you're reduced to making threats of physical violence because someone is telling the truth, I think it's time to re-think what you're saying.

Your personal attacks are irrelevant to the topic of this discussion. If any of you has so much as a single FACT to support what you claim about chain letters, could you be so kind as to present it? Thanks.
Amanda
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 03:16 PM
So did you get scammed Cranky?
Greg
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 05:16 PM
This is great....Spanky. You are a rock. Nobody will ever sway you. But you are also a narrow minded little man with no life whatsoever.
Wow was that another personal attack on you? If you think it was then...sorry. You live for this forum. Your main objective in life is to tell people they are wrong. And you expect people not to come back at you with personal attacks. Physical violence....PLEASE there are hundreds maybe thousands of miles between you and most of these people. Nobody is threatening you....you just want another thing to cry about. Another thing for you to convict people of. Nobody really wants to choke you. Am I right Amanda? Randy? David? Well am I???? I think we just want to see how stressed out you will get with so much opposition. I think your stress is causing paranoia. "Help...they are attacking me personnally and threatening me physically". AAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWW.
Then you call in the "ARMY" "You aren't fighting against me..you are fighting against the US POSTAL SERVICE". HeHeHeHeHaHaHaHa.
Is your Sea Monster friend Chary still around or did you get on HER nerves too?
Anyway I am enjoying the ride and I will continue to hang as long as you are there because this chat wouldn't be the same without you.
THANKS FOR MAKING OUR LIVES SO FUN CRANKY.
WE LOVE YOU...mmmmwwwwaaa
Amanda
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2007 | 06:25 PM
Hey Cranky, why don't you take on illegal immigration? You know, a Real problem. I think you'd succeed in that arena.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 02:20 AM
Greg, you know as much about me as you do about chain letters: nothing.

Your opinions about me are as worthless (and as inaccurate) as your opinions about chain letters.

Now, do you have anything new to contribute to the discussion about the actual topic of this thread?
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 02:33 AM
Amanda said:

"So did you get scammed Cranky?"

Are you asking if I've lost money participating in a chain letter? If so, the answer is no. I'm not dumb enough to take part in a decades-old scam like that.

I know where this is going, Amanda. Next you'll ask me if I haven't lost money in an ILLEGAL chain letter, why do I care if other people do. That questions says more about the person who would ask it then you probably realize.

The REAL question is why a person would consider participating in one when it has been shown conclusively over and over that they are illegal and don't work.

We recently established that at least some of you have known all along that they are illegal and don't work, so the only conclusion I can draw is that you simply don't care if you rip other people off. That's what we on Planet Reality (tourist slogan: "Where facts matter") call a "crime."
Amanda
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 02:23 PM
WRONG! Don't put words in my mouth Cranky. You don't know my response until I give it.

And when I ask if you've been scammed, I mean IN GENERAL. You know, Did they sell you a lemon, did they dupe you with an ARM mortgage? Have you been burned!

I'm trying to understand your psyche, dipstick!
You're messed up in the head man. I'm just fascinated.
Cranky Media Guy
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 03:19 PM
Amanda, I'm not the tiniest bit interested in your opinion of me.

Do you have anything to contribute to the discussion of the actual topic of this thread, chain letters?

The same goes for you, Randy. Do YOU have anything to contribute about chain letters?
Amanda
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 03:56 PM
Yeah, I've got something to say. When I said, "if you're compiling a mail list, it's not illegal". You said that it was illegal.

Well for your information jackass the USPS website states about chain letters:

" "Selling" a product does not ensure legality. "

It does not declare that selling an addresss for a mailing list is legal nor illegal.

THAT MEANS YOU'RE WRONG! -------FACE IT--------

It's up to the interpretation of the law.

Your interpretation is that it is illegal. That's your interpretation.

My way may or may not make it outright legal, but it sure is a loophole my attorney could work.

The following link is the exact law. Not Crazy'S interpretation.
http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/usc18/lottery.htm

GO POUND SAND!
Amanda
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 04:00 PM
Oh and one more thing Crazy:

YOU STILL SUCK!
---nanny-nanny-nanny
Cranky Media Guy
Member
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 08:17 PM
Amanda, the legality or illegality of a chain letter is predicated on one simple thing: the intent of the operator (as you could have easily found out via a little research).

If the court determines that your "mailing list" was actually a scam intended to take money from people, then it is ILLEGAL.

May I ask you, what LEGITIMATE mailing list asks people to send money to the person at the top of a collection names, then put your name on the bottom in the hope that you will receive money from hundreds or thousands of other people on the list?

If that is what your "mailing list" is designed to do, it would not be difficult at all for the prosecutors to demonstrate that it is not a "mailing list" at all but a CHAIN LETTER.

If what you said is accurate and "mailing lists" like yours are completely legal and make money for all participants, why doesn't everyone just mail money to everyone else? We'd have a Magic Economy!

The "loophole" you think you've discovered is not a "loophole" at all and you are not the first one to think of it.

I'll say it again: It's the INTENT of the operator that determines the legality or illegality of your "mailing list."

For anyone reading this, here is the COMPLETE paragraph Amanda quoted a few words from:

"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." (caps mine)

I'm going to repeat one of those sentences:

"The primary purpose is to take your money, not to sell information."

Intent. It's all about intent. Calling a chain letter a "mailing list" doesn't fool the authorities.
Amanda
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 09:11 PM
Well then my INTENT is to compile a mailing list so I can sell it to companies. Then, I decided to pass on the opportunity to 200 others cause I'm wonderful! 😊
Greg
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 10:29 PM
If what you said is accurate and "mailing lists" like yours are completely legal and make money for all participants, why doesn't everyone just mail money to everyone else? We'd have a Magic Economy!

No Spunky...we could never have a Magic Economy because there are too many people out there just like you.

The more I hear your repetitive rambling, the more annoyed I get.
I'm going to repeat one of those sentences:
The more I hear your repetitive rambling, the more annoyed I get.

Are you a Democrat??
Greg
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 10:33 PM
I thought about you Friday Hanky....I saw a car that had Postal Police on the side of it. Was that you??

By the way.....are you a Democrat??
Greg
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 | 10:35 PM
Yes Amanda...you are wonderful!!!


Hey Cranky, are you a Democrat???
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 Note: This thread is located in the Old Forum of the Museum of Hoaxes.