For once, I couldn’t resist…
…messing with a 419 scammer. I saw the line (bolded by me) in the message below, and just had to respond.
> Dear Sir,
>
> My name is MR MIKOSHIBA KIYOHIKO a contractor from JAPAN.
> The statistics shows that the Economy of your country is getting
> better and will be more profitable in few years to come. I am
> interested to invest in your country through you. I am now in HONG
> KONG with the Sum of US$8,500,000.00 Dollars which I would like to
> invest in your country if possible?
>
> I made this money through a contract awarded to me in OSAKA by the
> ministry during the relocation of OSAKA AIRPORT and I am not safe if
> go back to Japan because I did not finish the contract, I hope you can
> understand my situation and assist me to invest this money properly as
> this is my only hope.
>
> Please kindly get back to me as soon as possible.
> Best regards,
> MR MIKOSHIBA KIYOHIKO
> Tel: + 852 30606691
Of course, I had to offer some better advice.
Dear Mr. Kiyohiko,
I am afraid you are terribly misinformed. The American economy is not doing well at all. The US owes such a great debt to China that in a few years, they will probably own our entire country. Stay in Hong Kong, and you will have much better success.
Sincerely,
–Mr. Luxton
(and no, I don’t have the faintest clue whether I picked the right surname in Japanese form, but it shouldn’t matter: I’m supposed to be a stupid American businessman, and this fellow’s probably writing from Nigeria…)