General Chat

The Worthing Gazette of 3rd January 1900 reported on a scam called the “Spanish Prisoner”. Mr R. J. Inkpen of Sompting received the following letter.

“Dear Sir,
The cruel situation which surrounds me, and the sad fate in which finds herself my daughter 14 years old, who I maintain as boarder in the College of La Carolina, are circumstances which oblige me to direct myself to you, of whom I have the best references of honorability. Being a Captain treasurer of the 22 of foot soldiers in garrison in the city of Carthagene to comply with my consciences, I joined the rebellion in the month of July last in belief of the republic but as we were victims of the greatest treason, I was obliged to emigrate to English ground taking along with me the money which I had to my charge, valued to £15000, after having resided some time in this country, I received the sad news my wife had died, leaving my dear daughter in despair and without help
In this sad situation I found myself in the necessity of coming back to Spain to help my daughter and bring her in my company to England.

Before starting considering as imprudent to take along with me this money, I decided to hide it in the neighbourhood of Sompting, taking immediately a plan of the ground with all the marks and measures of the spot. Then very satisfied that the money was in security, I started for Spain, where I was discovered by the police brought immediately before the military authorities of Carthagene and condemned to 7 years penal servitude, then the government destined me to undergo my condemn in this castle.

Thus by return of the mail let me know if you are willing to lend me your help and protection to recover this money in order my daughter and her governess may start for your respected house, bringing the plan and all instructions for the discovery.

If you accept my proposal, in answer to your next letter I shall tell you the exact conditions to realise plan, about which you must keep the most absolute secrecy, at the same time I shall send you a certificate identifying my person and the causes of my captivity. As I am strictly watched, it is dangerous you direct your letters straight to me, for this reason, I expect you will put your answer within two envelopes, the one within to my name, and the one outside to the name of my servant who has the charge of helping me.

Waiting for your answer I am yours faithfully,

Alfredo Pramos

That's amazing, Dizzi!!
Just shows, nothing's new!!

Amazing.....and as Maggie says:)))

jude

The Spanish Prisoner scam seems to date back to the late 19th century it is now more commonly known as the Nigerian 419 scam is a form of advance fee fraud which started 1980's. The name came about from Section 419 of the Nigerian Penal Code.

;-) ;-)

Unbelievable - so this could be where the Nigerian scams originate from.

Have not had the Nigerian scam in my inbox for ages. Do you think it has been rumbled? I do remember about 5 years ago someone paying about £15k before they realised it was a scam.

Never knew the history of Nigerian 419 scam before. Thanks, Dizzi :-) :-)

Right, Me, Being me, searched for Spanish Prisoner, and this is one that came out............


http://www.hidden-knowledge.com/funstuff/spanishprisoner/spanishprisoner1.html

Dizzi, you might have to increase page size...........

Bob

BOB
THANKS FOR THAT,
VERY INTERESTING