Here's an excerpt of an e-mail I just received. Adios, bloggers--I'm off to spend my $4.5 million.
Sir/Madam,
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 06/01/2004. Your e-mail address
attached to ticket number 653164251591-6011 with serial number 7321
410,batch number24/00319/IPD,lottery ref number OYL/26510460037/02
and drew lucky number 4-9-17-36-44-78 which consequently won in the
1st category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out
of US$4.5m. (FOUR MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND United States
Dollars)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your
winning information confidential until your claims has been processed
and your money Remitted to you. This is part of our security protocol
to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by
some participants. All participants were selected through a computer
ballot system drawn from over 40,000 company and 20,000,000
individual email addresses and names from all over the world. This
promotional program takes place every year. This lottery was promoted
and sponsored by Association of software producers. we hope with part
of your winning,you will take part in our next year US$5 million
international lottery. To file for your claim, please contact our
fiducial agent,
I have kept the spelling just as it was in the e-mail. Obviously this is a very clever, highly educated group of software producers. I'm sure I have blown my chances at getting the money because I have already violated the confidentiality agreement. Oh, and note the date the lottery was held.