[Leica] OT: Scams

[s.jessurun95 at chello.nl (animal)]

> The LUG has such broad and varied expertise, so I thought I'd ask this
here.
>
> Is anyone up on international scams - not even internet, but via good old
> mail.
>
> I got a letter from Uganda (second one like this - similar but not exact
in
> the last two years) Hand written and hand addressed purporting to be from
a
> young woman finishing teaching college at a church affiliated college.
> Mother and father both died of AIDS, younger siblings to look after and
> support. Accompanied by a form letter from the college chaplaincy.
>
> I know where they got my name from by the form of address - it's from a
> professional directory that is only published in book form, not online.
And
> it's asking for help towards the princely sum of $250.00 (maybe is was
> pounds) to cover college costs. Nothing else offered just altruism.
>
> The first one I eventually threw away.
>
> Obviously the situation and appeal could fit probably hundreds of
thousands
> of Ugandans. A part of me would like to think it was genuine - while the
> logical part of me thinks yep, right, sure - a scam
>
> Anyone come across this? Brian - is this something that's showing up in
the
> mail boxes of Episcopalians down there?
>
> tim
>
>
I get one of those allmost daily also via email then they come from Nigeria.
simon jessurun