What “419 Email” Scammers Can Teach You About Writing Letter Copy
By Roberta Rosenberg on Jan 16, 2007 in DM Copy Tips & Tools
I don’t know about you, but I love reading the "419" email scam letters I get. I hear from dethroned Kings and Queens of Africa, Barristers and Bankers of London, and Deposed Generals from countries I’ve never heard of. They have millions of US green backs to share with me, if only I’d give them a little bit of help.
Imagine. Out of the all the email boxes in the world, they have to come into mine.
I do like the spunk and sheer gall. I love the entreaty, "Dear Beloved" … I mean, who can resist. (Sadly, many don’t resist but that’s a topic for another post.) I love the phrasing, pretty standard English, yet slightly and humorously askew.
It makes for great humor. Now some of us like to play the 419′ers for the sheer joy. (Some of us have too much time on our hands.) Ken Magill of Direct shares his correspondence with one such 419er. Check out her response, though. Talk about positive spin! Be amazed. Be impressed. This gal has done her homework.
