While I was in the Philippines I received this SPAM using Larry's name . Obviously , they got my information and Larry's name off of the forum. I thought I would play with them a bit and sent a couple of replies: Obviously, after my last reply, they knew I was screwing with them.
First email :
From: Larry Ciuffo <lciuffo1@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Wed, December 5, 2012 3:58:55 AM
Subject: Unexpected Attack !!! Larry Ciuffo
I am writing this with tears in my eye, sorry i did not inform you about our trip, few days back my family and I made an unannounced vacation trip to Manila,Philippine and unfortunately we got attacked and mugged at gun point on our way to the hotel where we Lodged,all cash,credit card and cell were stolen off but luckily we still have our passports left with us.
We have been to the embassy and the Police but they're not helping issues at all and our return flight leaves in few hours from now but we're having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won't let us leave until we settle the bills.
Am freaked out and I need your urgent help
Larry
My Reply:
Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2012 16:07:33 -0800
From: (ME)
Subject: Re: Unexpected Attack !!! Larry Ciuffo
To: lciuffo1@hotmail.com
Larry ! Why didn't you tell me you were going to be here ! I wasn't expecting your going to come here so soon. Sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope they didn't get the Yamashita map. Please extend my warmest regards to Emelda and Manny. Let me know how I can meet you so I can give you some money......
Second email from "them":
From: Larry Ciuffo <lciuffo1@hotmail.com>
To: (ME)
Sent: Wed, December 5, 2012 8:08:33 AM
Subject: RE: Unexpected Attack !!! Larry Ciuffo
Am really glad you reply back, Right now am in a local library since i don't have any access to phone at the moment and i have nothing left on me right now but am very lucky to have my life and passports with me, it would have been worst if the muggers had made away with my passports.
Well All i need now is $1,850 USD, You can have it wired to my name via any Western Union Outlet around you... I'll have to show my passport as ID to pick it up here and i promise to pay you back as soon as I get back home hopefully today. Here is my info where you will wire the money to:
Receiver's Name: Larry Ciuffo
Location: Manila,Philippine
As soon as it has been done, kindly get back to me with the western union confirmation number... Let me know if you are heading to the Western Union outlet now.
Larry
My Reply :
Where are you staying ? I am, here now and have the cash in my hotel room at the Manila hotel, a few doors down from the MacArthur suite . Hope you went through the Typhoon okay......
The things some people will do to try to get money.............
Don't you have better things to do with your time .......
Jim
LOL.....
Good twist on the scam game Dan. I like the offer to meet with them to the money exchange.
Next time invite the Police to attend the party!
Thank you, I was in need of a good laugh!
Drive carefully, and enjoy the holidays! W2
Whenever I get a solicitor on the phone asking for "John" I always tell them "Hold on and I'll get him for you".
Then I set the phone done and walk away. Once it starts beeping I know they have hung up.
I've heard of people handing the phone to their kids and telling them it's Santa, or the Easter bunny . . or Tooth Fairy.