MOH Forum: A Postal-Mail Chain Letter?

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 14 of 30 pages ‹ First < 12 13 14 15 16 > Last ›
optimist	Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 \| 06:52 AM I received this letter a week ago and contacted most of the people on the list and received positive responces. Am following the instructions to the letter...will keep you all posted
dixie	Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 \| 08:36 AM Optomist----Good to see you got some guts and are willing to find out for all of us-----
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 \| 01:47 PM Sorry folks but there's a difference between "optimism" and believing in the impossible. To believe that a chain letter can work (i.e. make every participant come out ahead), you have to think that: Every book in every library which talks about why the CANNOT work is wrong. The U.S. Postal Service is lying to you when it says they are illegal BECAUSE they don't work. *Simple arithmetic magically doesn't apply to chain letters. Oh, but none of that means anything, because you're OPTIMISTIC. By the way, Dixie, you never answered my question. If this thing isn't a chain letter, why are you discussing it here?
dixie	Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 \| 12:52 PM CMG said "By the way, Dixie, you never answered my question. If this thing isn't a chain letter, why are you discussing it here?" The reason Im discussing it here is because someone may actually have proof of the legality of this program....and if it works...I never said it wasnt a chain letter I simply stated that you haven't enough facts to prove to me that it isnt...I guess Im just waiting for someone who is a little more qualified than you with a little more concrete evidence that could sway my decision either way...Remember I came here for answers in the first place...Im not here to prove it is or isnt anything...Im not here to argue with you either...I can say though, that from what youve posted so far I am just as much in wonderment as I was to begin with...And once again I ask you..."Who has been arrested for this PARTICULAR letter??? Could you name even one???" Didnt think so....Dixie out
That Darn Blister	Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 \| 11:11 AM Dixie... chain letters can put you in prison for up to 30 years, with up to 1 million dollars in FINES. Read 18 U.S.C. 1343 and 30 U.S.C. 3005 (those are Federal laws, by the way). As far as "works", well, go to http://www.silcom.com/~barnowl/chain-letter/bibliography.htm and read the entries from 1935. Your "works" nearly destroyed the state of Colorado in that year.
That Darn Blister	Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 \| 11:23 AM You want convictions? Read what the judges actually SAID. Try these: http://www.usps.com/judicial/1982deci/14-54.htm http://www.usps.com/judicial/1986deci/24-131d.htm http://www.usps.com/judicial/1988deci/29-117d.htm http://www.usps.com/judicial/1987deci/26-163.htm http://www.ftc.gov/os/2002/02/boivinjmnt.pdf Also read http://www.inti.net/xmaspam.htm for one person's response when the spam got out of control.
Dixie	Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 \| 01:32 PM Ok....Now thats what I call answers...Its a shame I had to wait soooo long for someone to post them....Took this blister guy 2 posts to prove what CMG couldnt for 3 years...Amazing
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 \| 01:45 PM The REAL question, Dixie, is why couldn't YOU have done what I suggested several times and simply gone to a library and read one of the many books about scams or done the research in some other way yourself? Thanks, Blister, for the info.
Johnnyboy	Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 \| 10:06 PM I have received 3 of these in the mail and I have no problem with receiving it. Bill collectors and business advertisers send 1000's more mail than this. Is the news paper, grocery store ads, credit card offers and whatever else considered chain letters? Because they tell you to send them money and advertise what you get for giving them money. This thing sounds pretty legit to me. Everyone is a skeptic as soon as someone comes up with a good idea. I showed this to a few people and the first thing they said is it's a scam. MLM even came up with a new binary and everyone says it's a pyramid. Obviously it's not because MLM is in business. The 3 letters I have all have different names on them so I know it's not just one guy getting $36 bucks a pop!
That Darn Blister	Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 \| 10:09 PM Gullibility Virus Warning ************************************************ WARNING, CAUTION, DANGER, AND BEWARE! Gullibility Virus Spreading over the Internet! ********************************************** WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Institute for the Investigation of Irregular Internet Phenomena announced today that many Internet users are becoming infected by a new virus that causes them to believe without question every groundless story, legend, and dire warning that shows up in their inbox or on their browser. The Gullibility Virus, as it is called, apparently makes people believe and forward copies of silly hoaxes relating to cookie recipes, email viruses, taxes on modems, and get-rich-quick schemes. "These are not just readers of tabloids or people who buy lottery tickets based on fortune cookie numbers," a spokesman said. "Most are otherwise normal people, who would laugh at the same stories if told to them by a stranger on a street corner." However, once these same people become infected with the Gullibility Virus, they believe anything they read on the Internet. "My immunity to tall tales and bizarre claims is all gone," reported one weeping victim. "I believe every warning message and sick child story my friends forward to me, even though most of the messages are anonymous." Another victim, now in remission, added, "When I first heard about Good Times, I just accepted it without question. After all, there were dozens of other recipients on the mail header, so I thought the virus must be true." It was a long time, the victim said, before she could stand up at a Hoaxees Anonymous meeting and state, "My name is Jane, and I've been hoaxed." Now, however, she is spreading the word. "Challenge and check whatever you read," she says. Internet users are urged to examine themselves for symptoms of the virus, which include the following: the willingness to believe improbable stories without thinking the urge to forward multiple copies of such stories to others a lack of desire to take three minutes to check to see if a story is true T. C. is an example of someone recently infected. He told one reporter, "I read on the Net that the major ingredient in almost all shampoos makes your hair fall out, so I've stopped using shampoo." When told about the Gullibility Virus, T. C. said he would stop reading email, so that he would not become infected. Anyone with symptoms like these is urged to seek help immediately. Experts recommend that at the first feelings of gullibility, Internet users rush to their favorite search engine and look up the item tempting them to thoughtless credence. Most hoaxes, legends, and tall tales have been widely discussed and exposed by the Internet community. Courses in critical thinking are also widely available, and there is online help from many sources. Those people who are still symptom free can help inoculate themselves against the Gullibility Virus by reading some good material on evaluating sources. Lastly, as a public service, Internet users can help stamp out the Gullibility Virus by sending copies of this message to anyone who forwards them a hoax. ********************************************** This message is so important, we're sending it anonymously! Forward it to all your friends right away! Don't think about it! This is not a chain letter! This story is true! Don't check it out! This story is so timely, there is no date on it! This story is so important, we're using lots of exclamation points! For every message you forward to some unsuspecting person, the Home for the Hopelessly Gullible will donate ten cents to itself. (If you wonder how the Home will know you are forwarding these messages all over creation, you're obviously thinking too much.) ************************************************ ACT NOW! DON'T DELAY! LIMITED TIME! NOT SOLD IN ANY STORE!
Johnnyboy	Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 \| 10:31 PM After I've read this entire blog, not one person has proven this particular letter to be illegal and I am researching this very moment while putting my 2 cents in. Moving on....good luck people!
That Darn Blister	Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 \| 10:40 PM <sarcasm> Johnnyboy, folks like you are the reason Satan quarreled with God in the beginning. </sarcasm> Some websites about this particular letter: http://us.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=113&id=1869d6a9-82aa-49a1-8419-40a8251fa916&art=2387 http://www.scam.com/showthread.php?t=36696 http://www.silcom.com/~barnowl/chain-letter/archive/me2005-08_retired_s$6n6q200.htm http://oppseek.wordpress.com/ (he tried it, lost money) http://www.greaterfortwaynedailynews.com/articles/2008/03/16/features/columnists/cindy_bevington/doc47dd222281c25479330972.txt http://www.mmfhoh.org/index.php?m=199805 Johnny, go troll somewhere else.
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 \| 02:15 AM Johnnyboy said: "I have received 3 of these in the mail and I have no problem with receiving it." How nice for you. "Bill collectors and business advertisers send 1000's more mail than this. Is the news paper, grocery store ads, credit card offers and whatever else considered chain letters?" Um, no, they're not because they don't promise to make everyone who responds come out ahead money-wise via a mathematically impossible scheme. "Because they tell you to send them money and advertise what you get for giving them money. This thing sounds pretty legit to me." I do not believe you're as stupid as that makes you seem. "Everyone is a skeptic as soon as someone comes up with a good idea." Are you under the impression that chain letters are something new? Sorry to burst your naive bubble, but they've been around for decades, as a simple visit to any decent-sized library would prove to you. "I showed this to a few people and the first thing they said is it's a scam." They're right; it IS a scam. "MLM even came up with a new binary and everyone says it's a pyramid. Obviously it's not because MLM is in business." R-i-i-i-i-ght, a business can't possibly be a scam. EVERYONE knows THAT. Duh. One word, Dude: Enron. "The 3 letters I have all have different names on them so I know it's not just one guy getting $36 bucks a pop!" And that proves what exactly? 3 people can't be running a similar scam? Or 1 person with 3 different names?
housewife1121	Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 \| 01:39 PM cmg said... I've explained my motivations for warning people about the scam of chain letters before. What's odd about trying to keep people from wasting their money on something that does not and cannot work? Whats odd is that I dont see you following up on every get rich quick scam featured in an infomercial with a personal public service anouncement as to why it cant and wont work. Your personal vendetta seems to be specifically against this one particular letter. I just wonder, have you tried it? Because it just seems to me that it would be a lot easier to try it for yourself than spend from 2004-2008 arguing its authenticity with anyone who will listen. Your concern for mankind is appreciated however. 😊 leah said... you baught the list of names from the company that they referenced in the letter, Data something-or-another? Did they reply promptly and how much did you have to pay for how many?...Just curious - Thanks! Leah it was pretty prompt and if I remember right it was around 45? Havent sent it out yet tho because Im prego and kinda tired lately. But I will...and Im almost positive I wont wake up one day with the swat team rapelling through my bedroom window to haul me away for mail fraud...As I said, money exchaged for a service or product IS a TRANSACTION...cmg:)And transactions are what our country is built around. Its called free enterprise, and its the american way.
housewife1121	Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 \| 01:43 PM Sorry folks but there's a difference between "optimism" and believing in the impossible. cmg...the definition of optimism basically IS believing in the impossible. You, sir, are a murderer of dreams..haha..(sorry, since ive been pregnant Ive been watching alot of movies, just watched Dan in real life if you got that.)
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 \| 01:56 PM housewife 1121 said: "Whats odd is that I dont see you following up on every get rich quick scam featured in an infomercial with a personal public service anouncement as to why it cant and wont work." How many hours are in YOUR day? Mine only has 24, some of which are consumed by sleep, etc. Besides, how does my inability to take on every scam change the accuracy of what I've said about chain letters? "Your personal vendetta seems to be specifically against this one particular letter. I just wonder, have you tried it?" It isn't a "vendetta." It's a statement of facts. "cmg...the definition of optimism basically IS believing in the impossible." Um, no, that's the definition of irrationality. If you know FOR SURE that something is impossible, it's insane to continue to believe in it. If you disagree, why not convince yourself that you can fly under your own power, then go to the top of the nearest tall building and jump off? I mean, all you have to do is BELIEVE, right? Those silly "laws of physics" can't stand in the face of BELIEF! "You, sir, are a murderer of dreams..haha..(sorry, since ive been pregnant Ive been watching alot of movies, just watched Dan in real life if you got that.)" It's VERY difficult to have a rational conversation with someone who thinks that a person who correctly points out the mathematical impossibility of a scam is a "murderer of dreams." I've asked numerous times where the extra money would come from to make every participant in a chain letter come out ahead. No one ever has an answer to that question. I guess it just magically mainifests itself for those who BELIEVE.
Johnnyboy	Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 \| 04:05 PM Well, I've been checking out other forums and what the law states about chain letters and so on. I can indeed see why many view it as a chain letter scam, but on the same token I can see how certain things in the letter make it legal as others have also pointed out. I have not seen anywhere that anyone has been arrested or fined for this particular letter. Got any links to show me for that? TDBE and CMG, why do you find it necessary to insult others?
Cranky Media Guy Member	Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 \| 05:30 PM op
Cranky Media Guy Member	Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 \| 05:34 PM Johnnyboy said: "I can indeed see why many view it as a chain letter scam, but on the same token I can see how certain things in the letter make it legal as others have also pointed out." What are the "things" which make you think it might be legal? "I have not seen anywhere that anyone has been arrested or fined for this particular letter." So? You may be surprised to hear that many, if not a majority, of those who rob banks are never caught and prosecuted. Does that make bank robbery legal? What about the FACT that chain letters do not and CANNOT work as claimed? "TDBE and CMG, why do you find it necessary to insult others?" What are you referring to specifically? Have you missed where other people have insulted me? Or do you consider being called a "murderer of dreams" a compliment?
That Darn Blister	Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 \| 09:22 PM Claiming that a chain letter is providing a service or is a business (including being a "transaction") doesn't hold up in court. All the stuff scammers add to the letter to try to make appear legal to the unsuspecting layman's eye is fraud in the eyes of the courts. 30 years and $1 million in fines, sister. Remember the damage chain letters caused in 1935, and consider how much worse you and yours will make the current economy trying to run them.
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 01:03 AM You are correct, Blister. In the past, I've posted links to the exact part of the Postal Service's website which explains exactly what you just said about how calling a chain letter a "service" or a "business" doesn't magically make it legal. Apparently, it can't be repeated often enough to get through to the defenders of this decades-old scam, however. They don't work. They CAN'T work. I'm a "murderer of dreams," though, so what do I know?
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 09:49 AM CMG said.... How many hours are in YOUR day? Mine only has 24, some of which are consumed by sleep, etc. Besides, how does my inability to take on every scam change the accuracy of what I've said about chain letters? aparently you prefer things to be explained mathematicaly.... My day has 24 hrs also, in which over the last 4 years I have spent approximately 15 minutes donating my time to what the poular majority believes regarding chain letters. BAsed on the volume of YOUR posts over the last 4 years, per day, Multiplied by the amount of days in a year, multipled by 4 years translates to roughly 1,456 hours donated of your time to retalliating against this letter. That translates to 60.6 COMPLETE days spent refuting everyone who tries to discuss this letter. Housewife said..... "Your personal vendetta seems to be specifically against this one particular letter. I just wonder, have you tried it?" cmg said... It isn't a "vendetta." It's a statement of facts. Vendetta: A PROLONGED SERIES of retaliatory, vengeful, or hostile acts. I believe retalliating against anyone who has something positive to say about this letter for the last 4 years, 1,456 hrs and 60.6 COMPLETE days wasted, constitutes as a "vendetta."
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 09:54 AM 30 years and $1 million in fines, sister. Remember the damage chain letters caused in 1935, and consider how much worse you and yours will make the current economy trying to run them. First of all, welcome to 2008. How is it back there in the 30's? It must take you a long time to recieve your mail by pony... Second of all, your right, people having a lot of extra money to spend would be TERRIBLY harmful to the economy. Even if it doesnt work, Im sure that so many people running out and BUYING stamps and BUYING envelopes and BUYING copies is awful for the economy as well...Brother..
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 09:59 AM Johnyboy said... TDBE and CMG, why do you find it necessary to insult others? Dont worry about it..Its because some people just cant stand it when others make valid points. The best comeback for people like that is just simple another valid point. They hate it.. 😊
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 10:03 AM cmg said... What are you referring to specifically? Have you missed where other people have insulted me? Or do you consider being called a "murderer of dreams" a compliment? Things said in toungg-in-cheek manner are not insults. They are attemps at banter, which is apparently impossible with someone so sour. Please, Johneyboy, I invite you to view that post. What made it insulting? the smile faces, the "HAHA", or the witty way I was simply poking fun. Then I invite you all to view how many times, cmg insists on discussing the "murderer of dreams" incident. Either I struck a cord or someone is acting very childish.
WG	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 10:16 AM Actually, CMG is correct. If it WERE legal (it's not), and it were to work like it's supposed to, that would mean that, technically, you might receive your $800,000. However, by participating in that particular scheme, your expenses would include nearly all that amount in sending out $1 bills of your own, because you would be receiving similar envelopes all the time, and to make the program work, you would have to continue putting $1 bills into envelopes while at the same time finding time to remove the bills from the envelopes. What this particular scam relies on is the inherent greediness of the human being. Of course these "people" (I doubt their existence) made tons of money...they scammed others out of their money without giving any back. Think about it: if you were lucky enough to receive $800,000, that would mean that 800,000 people are out $1. Most people can handle that kind of expense. Some truly can't. And what are they getting out of the deal? No one's going to get rich by participating in this scheme fully, even if it were 100% legal (again, it's not). Besides which, what the letter DOESN'T tell you is that a 0% rate of return equals zero dollars. It's not worth your time.
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 10:17 AM CMG said.... I've asked numerous times where the extra money would come from to make every participant in a chain letter come out ahead. No one ever has an answer to that question. I guess it just magically mainifests itself for those who BELIEVE. I have an answer for you cmg...The entire process is based upon statistics. STATISTICALLY, whenever a solicitation is mailed out, approximately 7-8% will respond positively. And no, money does not "magically manifest" itself, its always there. For example, if I were to suddenly land a career that paid me $500.000.00 per year, is everyone else poorer now because of it. My income went up drastically, does that mean everyone elses must now go down to compensate. No, cmg, the money is there to begin with. Its being "Paid forward" in this case. This situation uses a "generation" or "rotation" theory. Meaning that the list of names is continually shifting. If 7.5% respond positively the first rotation, 759,375 people will inevitably see this letter before your name drops off. And thats only 7.5% of the actual number this letter will reach! Using the "rotation" theory, the first group to see your name will consist of 200 people, 7.5% responding, then on to 3,375, then 50,625 and finally, 759,375. Now, using the "generation" theory, each group of people who views this letter will be different for each person in question. There are 295,000,000,000 people living in the U.S. alone today. If each person had 6$ to share, that would mean there is 2,770,000,000,000,000 dollars up for grabs. So you see, for you to say it "magically manifests" itself, makes you the "irrational" one. It doesnt have to be manifested, if paid forward, we can all benefit from it. So you see, contrary to what you insist upon, it is very "MATHEMATICALLY POSSIBLE"
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 10:20 AM WG said... Actually, CMG is correct. If it WERE legal (it's not), and it were to work like it's supposed to, that would mean that, technically, you might receive your $800,000. However, by participating in that particular scheme, your expenses would include nearly all that amount in sending out $1 bills of your own, because you would be receiving similar envelopes all the time, and to make the program work, you would have to continue putting $1 bills into envelopes while at the same time finding time to remove the bills from the envelopes. Perhaps you are confused. You send out one dollar to each person on the list. Period, the end. 6 dollars. After that your name is on the list and your done sending out money.
WG	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 10:31 AM "Perhaps you are confused. You send out one dollar to each person on the list. Period, the end. 6 dollars. After that your name is on the list and your done sending out money." Uh-huh. And you mean to tell me that you never plan on receiving another one of those letters? Or several more? Eventually it's going to come back to you. And I was speaking hypothetically, meaning that if its legality were NOT in dispute, everyone would be making a living off chain letters. The money might be there, but it's more a matter of redistributing the wealth. Mail-order Communism, one might say. The system cannot work. What you're saying is that all you have to do is sit back and collect money. However, for every dollar you make, someone else is out a dollar. The money isn't "always there," because guess what? If I had $1000 and sent you $1, I don't still have $1000, I have $999. To perpetuate this scheme would mean that, at some point, everyone will lose some money while others would gain. To paraphrase CMG, everyone does not come out ahead. It's mathematically impossible. Oh, to live in a magical world where you can make a fortune by simply stuffing envelopes! And tell me...just how much have you made, hm?
Ava	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 10:40 AM Well, I started reading these posts and I just don't have time to read them all, so sorry if what I say is redundant: Yes, I believe this chain mail is illegal for whatever reason. However, it cannot be a pyramid scheme because the names on the letter are continually changing. If you participate in the letter, you send money to six people then take the top name off and put your name on the bottom. So, whoever started this letter over a decade ago is no longer receiving any money, unless they are continually sending out their own letters. That said, having read the letter carefully, the only people I could see to have a long standing benefit from this letter is the marketing company suggested to buy names and addresses from-- so perhaps they are the culprits. I'm sure by now everyone in the country has been solicited to participate, but if the letter works as it should, there is no one at the top reaping the benefits of the ignorant. Not to say that everyone has the same results-- no doubt some people make more than others and some don't make back what they spent on stamps. But this is due entirely to chance and not the master plan of the author. Anyway, I am certainly not suggesting for anyone to participate, but I'd like to point out that those who do participate usually know that they will not make 800 grand but they choose to take a chance just as in any business venture. Also, most people who participate don't do their research and have no idea that what they are doing is illegal. So if you get a letter and want to lash out at the six people whose names and addresses are on your letter, remember they are just people like you who got a letter, and chose to copy and send it off to you and 199 others. They did not author the letter, so looking at their address on google earth is not going to prove anything about the so-called former attorney who did. I don't see how this chain letter could be traced to the original author, or to whoever has contributed to the wording of the letter, and since I just got a letter and the original was put out over a decade ago, it doesn't look like there will ever be an end to it all!
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 11:07 AM WG said.... And tell me...just how much have you made, hm? well, the first time I did it about 2 years ago. I got about 9,000 before it stopped trickling in. But I gave a copy to my sister and she recieved around 11,000. I still havent found all those poor people who are suffering now because they sent us one dollar. I should really try to find them so I can apologise!
That Darn Blister	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 12:01 PM First of all, welcome to 2008. How is it back there in the 30's? It must take you a long time to recieve your mail by pony... Second of all, your right, people having a lot of extra money to spend would be TERRIBLY harmful to the economy. Even if it doesnt work, Im sure that so many people running out and BUYING stamps and BUYING envelopes and BUYING copies is awful for the economy as well...Brother.. Wrong time period. The Pony Express was in the previous century. And if you weren't aware... the Postal Service loses money on First Class mail. The extra burden is subsidized by the "junk mail" and other slower mailing rates. Also, if you want the Postal Service's own comment on the damage chain letters did in the 1930s... let me locate that article again, hold on... Time Magazine, May 13, 1935 issue. Article available online for free at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,754772,00.html You might also want to read this Wikipedia article (and no, I have never editted it): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_money_fast
Kari	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 12:39 PM How do I get off of the email notification is for this blog? I've completely lost interest and keep getting emails:(
Kari	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 12:40 PM nevermind........got it covered:)
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 01:11 PM tdb said.... Wrong time period. The Pony Express was in the previous century. Please dont insult my intelligence by taking banter literally and daining to correct me. I am aware that the pony express took place from 1860 through late 1861. Its called a sense of humor. Secondly, I am shocked you would reference wikipedia as a reliable source. It has actually been banned in most universities as a reference due to the alarming rate of incorrect and tampered with information. So no, thank you, I will not be logging on to that site.
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 01:23 PM Since we all love definitions so very much..... Main Entry: chain letter Function: noun : a letter sent to several persons with a request that each send copies of the letter to an equal number of persons This letter would only constitute as a chain letter if after sending out 6 dollars, I only sent out 6 letters. By sending out 200, of which the recipients names were bought and purchased, this is actually a solicitation. Main Entry: trans
That Darn Blister	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 01:39 PM And if you bothered to, oh, check Paypal's rules... such as http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/gen/ua/use/index_frame-outside&ed=rich_quick or what their official spokesman said at http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection/scamnet/Scams/PayPal_-_Fast_Easy_M.html, you should (assuming that you have an IQ higher than -40) see that claiming this is valid by email is a lie as well. It also doesn't take much common sense to check your ISP's and email provider's Terms of Service agreements and see that the vast majority of them expressly prohibit chain letters.
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 01:39 PM Especially for CMG and TDB... I probably wont be logging on again because Im going to have my baby any minute and its getting difficult. But I wanted to tell you its not because you bested me.. 😊 In fact Ive really enjoyed the opportunity to have an intelligent conversation with some worthy adversaries. No hard feelings, at least on my part..And I wish you both the best of luck debating this matter with the next bull nosed person like me that comes along. Take care, and maybe I'll see you guys again on here at a much later date and have the chance to give you another run for your money..haha. best wishes..Housewife OUT.. 😊
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 01:42 PM (assuming that you have an IQ higher than -40) One last thing..Its actually 153 last tested..Just because Im a housewife doesnt mean I'm uneducated...Just had to put that out there.. O.K. Now I'm OUT.. 😊
The Plump Dormouse	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 01:59 PM Secondly, I am shocked you would reference wikipedia as a reliable source. It has actually been banned in most universities as a reference due to the alarming rate of incorrect and tampered with information. So no, thank you, I will not be logging on to that site. Oh, treacle! You apparently ignored all the sensible, reliable sources of information earlier in the thread, so why are you blaming him for giving you a source closer to your own apparent level? Me, on the other paw, well, I'd squeak at you. 43 Chain-gift schemes (1) A person commits an offence if he
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 02:21 PM Plump doormouse said... Oh, treacle! You apparently ignored all the sensible, reliable sources of information earlier in the thread, so why are you blaming him for giving you a source closer to your own apparent level? FYI..I'm not blaming him for anything, I like him and appreciate our go between..... First of all..WHO ARE YOU..and why would you attack my intelligence level.. I have a masters degree, a bachelors of buisness an am currently a member of mensa..I have chosen to be a housewife because my family is important, but that IN NO WAY makes anything resembling wikipedia closer to my own "apparent level" as you would say. Any threads I have ignored is not for lack of comprehension but because I enjoy debate and prefer to use brain powere in situations of confrontation. If you choose to do your arguing with someone elses words repeated verbadem, then, dear mouse, I believe it is not my own level of intelligence that should be up for debate. so please, sir or madame..NEVER insult my intelligense level. CMG and TDB..again..best of luck to you both..If ingrates insist on tearing down my level of intelligence perhaps you shall see me back here sooner rather than later..GOSH that really makes me hot!!!
Cranky Media Guy Member	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 05:37 PM housewife 1121 said: "For example, if I were to suddenly land a career that paid me $500.000.00 per year, is everyone else poorer now because of it. My income went up drastically, does that mean everyone elses must now go down to compensate." That is an irrational comparison. Your employer uses your labor to produce profit for himself in excess of what you are paid. That in no way compares to what a chain letter claims to do. "I still havent found all those poor people who are suffering now because they sent us one dollar. I should really try to find them so I can apologise!" Actually, yes, you should (but won't). So, you feel that because you ripped off many people for a small amount each, that is somehow morally better than if you had stolen a large amount from ONE source? The fact that each participant in a chain letter typically loses only a small amount of money is one of the reasons they flourish. Very few people are likely to complain to the authorities over losing a few bucks. That, of course, does not make chain letters legal, however. Also, it's interesting that you acknowledge that the money you claim to have made actually came from other people who LOST money. Gee, I thought the profit anyone made came from people "paying it forward." When do THEY get "paid forward"? Oh, that's right, they don't because YOU got their money. Too bad for them, I guess. Do you intend to tell your new child that this sort of behavior is acceptable?
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 07:21 PM Also, it's interesting that you acknowledge that the money you claim to have made actually came from other people who LOST money. Gee, I thought the profit anyone made came from people "paying it forward." When do THEY get "paid forward"? Oh, that's right, they don't because YOU got their money. Too bad for them, I guess. Your logic confounds me..If I sent them One dollar and recieven 9.000 I in no way feel ripped off. Similarly, if they sent me one dollar and recieved thousands in return from being "paid forward"...I should think that they do not feel ripped off either. I GOT ONE DOLLAR FROM EACH!!! geesh..use your common sense..thats not being ripped off..Its participating and recieving more for thaier money than they initially paid out. The way you see it, if I recieved 9,000..Im the only person in the history of this letter to do so. Because that and THAT alone would make these people RIPPED off as you put it. That is an irrational comparison. Your employer uses your labor to produce profit for himself in excess of what you are paid. That in no way compares to what a chain letter claims to do. Your missing the point..I was illustrating absurdity with absurdity. Because the fact remains that at any given time there is only X amount of money in circulation. Maybe you missed the part about my BBA..I am fully aware of how micro and macro econ can stimulate the economy and the natural flow of money from one person to onother..Loosely called a "trickle up". The money still has to come from SOMEWHERE!!!! And furthermore, this is all purely conjecture as to whether or not this particular letter can fall into the narrow categorization of "CHAIN LETTER". Actually, yes, you should (but won't). So, you feel that because you ripped off many people for a small amount each, that is somehow morally better than if you had stolen a large amount from ONE source? now you are being highly irrational yourself. Something can never be dually stolen and GIVEN at the same time. So to use words like "ripped off" and "stolen" is to suggest that this money was taken by force without being freely given in exchange for a service. Funny to me that you are not adressing the entire post that explained why this is mathematically possible. I've been getting frustrated because you only seem to have comebacks for parts of the posts that are meant as tounge in cheek. Could it be, my friend, that the parts of the post that exercise a modecom of logic, you just cant seem to refute?
That Darn Blister	Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 \| 10:07 PM Looks like an awfully fast labor to me... or do maternity wards include complementary Internet access these days? I wouldn't know, being a single male, but the oncology ward at my local hospital certainly doesn't provide Internet posting capability, which I know from personal experience staying there. The definition of "chain letter" takes three things into consideration. Which, not incidentally, are exactly the same three things that define "lottery" and differentiate it from "sweepstakes". Take a look at 39 U.S.C. 3005, and you see that lottery materials are not permitted in the postal system. Ergo, chain letters are lottery materials, thus the mails cannot be used for them. The actual illegality of chain letters derives from another set of laws, and here the operative term is "fraud". Eliminate the fraud component and the lottery, and you might have a leg to stand on. Might. Not necessarily would, but might.
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 \| 01:08 AM housewife 1121 said: "If I sent them One dollar and recieven 9.000 I in no way feel ripped off." Uh, why WOULD you? You came out ahead. "Similarly, if they sent me one dollar and recieved thousands in return from being "paid forward"...I should think that they do not feel ripped off either." Well, duh. The problem is that they DON'T get thousands back. I'll say this again: If ANY person comes out ahead, since the money in a chain letter is not invested in any way, their profit CAN ONLY HAVE COME FROM SOMEONE ELSE WHO LOST THEIR MONEY. Period. If someone gets $9,000 back from a one-dollar investment, 8,999 other people MUST have each lost their dollars. This "pay it forward" stuff is total nonsense. "I GOT ONE DOLLAR FROM EACH!!! geesh..use your common sense..thats not being ripped off..Its participating and recieving more for thaier money than they initially paid out." Please explain how everyone can come out ahead if the money is not invested in any way. I'll give you a hint: it isn't possible. "The way you see it, if I recieved 9,000..Im the only person in the history of this letter to do so. Because that and THAT alone would make these people RIPPED off as you put it." I said no such thing. What I HAVE said (and which is mathematically accurate) is that (assuming a situation in which each participant puts one dollar into the "pot") if YOU get $9000 back, then 8,999 OTHER people MUST have LOST their dollar. There is NO other possibility. "Maybe you missed the part about my BBA..I am fully aware of how micro and macro econ can stimulate the economy and the natural flow of money from one person to onother..Loosely called a "trickle up". The money still has to come from SOMEWHERE!!!!" Yes, money has to come from somewhere. What you have consistently failed to show is how EVERYONE can come out ahead in a chain letter since THAT would require money to come from NOWHERE. For a person with an alleged 153 IQ, you demonstrate an inability to grasp an extremely simple principle. I think it's your turn at bat, WG.
Chad	Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 \| 08:48 AM A Study of Internalization/Attachment of the Ego: Anyone who has been covering Cranky Media Guy's comments for the past three years or so may be curious to know.....how?...why? Why such an obsession? Besides perhaps having Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (believe me, I USED to have it), we could dive into the mechanics of the ego and how it thrives within us and attaches to some belief, idea, set of rules, country, football team, etc. It would be very interesting to see just how and why CMG's ego became so sensitive to issues of Federal authority, rules, etc. A dig into the past would be in order. And please note CMG: You can eventually break free from this affliction, this control by the ego by becoming more "Present." Nothing against you, everyone has this problem in many forms....It's just that yours is more severe and interesting than most. Easier to identify. By the way, if anyone is getting a bit tired of unwanted responses from Cranky Media Guy or anyone like him, just build up the strength and ignore him (his ego actually, which is separate from him). Notice the nuance in response.
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 \| 05:10 PM Wow, Chad, you sure think you have the ability to understand a person you have never met and about whom you have virtually no knowledge. Does that amazing super ability run in your family or are you just a prodigy? "It would be very interesting to see just how and why CMG's ego became so sensitive to issues of Federal authority, rules, etc. A dig into the past would be in order." I wish you could see how hard I'm laughing at your theory that I have some kind of "obsession" with Federal authority. A better question is why you're attacking someone who is pointing out--accurately--that a decades-old scam takes money from people illegally. What do you stand to gain in keeping this information from people? Why attack the messenger? Want to know why I take the time to address this issue, "Chad"? It's because--as I have said more than once--in a declining economy, people tend to look for ways to make money quickly and I happen to know that chain letters and other similar scams DO NOT and CANNOT work. I know this will be difficult for you to understand, "Chad," but getting this information out there is a good thing to do. It has the potential to help others. I've learned over the years that when someone gets so upset about someone else blowing the whistle on a scam, they almost certainly have some involvement with said scam. Man up, "Chad" and level with us.
Barbara Doll	Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 \| 09:15 AM To be honest, I have been reading your comments , Cranky Guy, et al. and wonder if you all need a mediator? Seriously, I am a therapist and mediator and received this letter in the mail upon my return from a conference. these have been going around forever and particularly in a time of economic downturn for the middle class and lower class folks. Glad to read your comments. Putting this in the shredder as we speak. Barbara in Cincinnati
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 \| 01:43 PM Barbara Doll said: "these have been going around forever and particularly in a time of economic downturn for the middle class and lower class folks." Yup, absolutely. Scam artists prey on people when they're most vulnerable economically. Mediate away, Barbara. 😊
Chad	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 03:44 AM Don't worry CMG. I'm not "upset." I just think you are a very interesting psychological case to study.
Cranky Media Guy Member	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 04:03 AM I may be, Chad, but not necessarily for the reasons you think. Why do you find it odd for someone to warn people about a money-stealing scam?
Reiss, an honest working citizen	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 08:05 AM This is to the michigan house wife Im just wondering something. You say that you are soooooooooo smart with your degrees and everything else. Answer this: Why would you spend all that money on college if you just wanted to be a house wife? Sounds like the dumbest thing that I have ever heard of. Not only the money but the lost time that you could have been making money instead of losing it. And how much time do you really spend with family when your husband works and your kids are in school? A masters degree cant even get you a part time job? And about these letters. Got one today. It is a scam. It is illegal. I know for a fact that it is.
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 11:42 AM This is to the michigan house wife Im just wondering something. You say that you are soooooooooo smart with your degrees and everything else. Answer this: Why would you spend all that money on college if you just wanted to be a house wife? Sounds like the dumbest thing that I have ever heard of. Not only the money but the lost time that you could have been making money instead of losing it. And how much time do you really spend with family when your husband works and your kids are in school? A masters degree cant even get you a part time job? I honestly pity you...Why would you presume to know me? First of all, I am right now pregnant with my first child, so that negates your comment concerning children being in school. Second of all my husband works 7-4 five days a week. As for my degrees, I am sorry you see it as a waste of money. You deserve no explanation. Apparently you have never heard of the concept of scholorships either. And anyone who would make the innane comment that a masters degree can't get them a part time job obviously doesnt have one and should refrain from attempting to make sense. For your information, the reason I am a housewife is not only because I relish the opportunity to be a 24 seven wife and caretaker of our home, but also because I make a very profitable living from my home through a company called spheris. YOur right though, obtaining a masters dgree, working from home, being on hand to always attend to my family while still managing to make 80,000 plus a year is very dumb. In fact, as you would say, its the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Not only the money but the lost time that you could have been making money instead of losing it. And trust me on this...that will NEVER be an issue. Mostly because all of that "lost time" my husband and I spent earning degrees. People like you are the reason I have been staying away from this forum. People like you are also the reason I probably wont be back. I need not have to explain myself to people who deserve no response. It is not only my pride but also my revulsion to your idiocy that made me even dain to respond to your posting.
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 11:47 AM I think it's your turn at bat, WG. Swing batter batter...swing...hahahah This has just become such a battle of the wits my friends. Personly I'm getting witted to death. Especially when the posts make little to know logical sense. By the way DTB...Havent had the baby yet. I apologise if by saying I was "about to" conjured mental pictures for you of me "LITERALLY" pushing out a baby while I was typing. I'm about to pop...when I do I'll be gone for good, but as for now....you all amuse me.
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 11:47 AM I'm a fan of Chad.....
housewife1121	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 12:02 PM To my pals CMG and WG...I am going in tomorrow at 12:30 and they may possibly induce my labor. Its been fun going round with you. But in all seriousness, please wish me luck, and tomorrow, when your on here blasting away at another unfortunate soul, please think of your friend the housewife. For all my talk, Im a tad nervous..Thanks guys.
An honst working citizen	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 02:07 PM LOL A medical transcriptionists. They dont make 80000 a year, that is impossible. Want to know what is really funny? My mom has worked for them for about 6 years now. And by the way.......dont even try to tell me your in management.......I already know that you cant be seeming how hey are not even located here. Notice I say that I am an HONEST working citizen......you are a liar.....face it...............and the scholorships.........Why would you take that oppurtunity away from someone else if you knew that you would never use your schooling......there are a lot of people out there that cant afford the college and could have used the scholorship instead of you. Now what does that make you? And I think that you could use an ego check as well. Do you ever NOT talk about yourself? And your right I dont know about you. All I know is that you talk about yourself way to much. The fact is: You dont feel sucessful (which is why you must tell people about your degrees) Now I must say that I PITY you. I have nothing against stay at home parents.......I do however have a problem with people who have to tell me/us about there degrees and such. And why they do it: Self pity, that is why. And obviously "people like me" can just see through all of your b.s. You will find us on any forum you go to. Not all of us will call you out but alot of us will. We are truly "revulsed". And what does dain mean? must be a mastes word..........No it cant be. Vain is that what you are saying? Isn't that what you are? Your last sentence makes no sense. Only shows me that you are trying to be smarter than you really are.
Chad	Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 \| 11:53 PM CMG, You have completely misread me. I do not have an opinion one way or another regarding the the legality or activities surrounding the chain letters you and others are discussing. I don't need to know you personally, but only look at the first several dozen or so of your emails for the past four years to know that your ego is attached very strongly to this specific issue. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a prodigy. Studying the way you respond to specific questions or comments shows your ego (not you) takes it very personally and has internalized/attached to this issue for one reason or another. It goes way beyond wanting to help others and tell them the "dangers" of this activity. If that is all you wanted, you would have just written one manifesto with all the necessay information and posted it once for all those to see. Also, I am not engaging in ad hominem. I detest that tactic and because I do not have a horse in this race so to speak, there is no purpose for attacking you or anyone. Just making observations on your chatting behavior that your ego (again, not you) took personally. You had merely assumed that I cared enough about the issue to want to attack you in support of it. Anyway, you have the right to spend your time as you please. If engaging in the same dialogue ad nauseum on the same website regarding the same issues for more than four years floats your boat, then by all means, keep going. I just think it is fascinating to observe from a human behavior viewpoint. Cheers, Chad
Cranky Media Guy	Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 \| 01:11 AM Chad said: "It goes way beyond wanting to help others and tell them the "dangers" of this activity. If that is all you wanted, you would have just written one manifesto with all the necessay information and posted it once for all those to see." Well, I do enjoy the back and forth but there's also the fact that new people keep coming to the forum, making the same spurious arguments defending chain letters. You can't assume that people will automatically read the entire thread and see information which has been posted previously. That's why I sometimes repeat the same stuff. In radio, they call it "resetting the bit." If you think my participation in this thread indicates how fascinating I am, you should try going to the front page of the site and do a site search for me. Some of the stuff you'll find will CONVINCE you of my fascinating-ness.
Cranky Media Guy Member	Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 \| 06:02 AM "It would be very interesting to see just how and why CMG's ego became so sensitive to issues of Federal authority, rules, etc." I'm wondering why you assume that I'm "sensitive" to "issues of Federal authority, rules, etc." as opposed to simply not wanting to see people cheated out of their money, as I've explained more than once. Is that truly that difficult for you to believe?
Page 14 of 30 pages ‹ First < 12 13 14 15 16 > Last ›

Note: This thread is located in the Old Forum of the Museum of Hoaxes.