October 22, 2003
TWO SCAMS
It is amazing how many people buy into schemes which are obvious frauds. We are led to believe that this is something new and distinct for our time, but that is false in every way. Many of the schemes being used today to absorb the wealth of others have impressive historical backgrounds.
There can be a shaky side to just any proffered deal. “If it sounds too good,it probably is.” applies to most of them. I recall two scams from the past which did very well and may still be providing someone with a living of a sort.
One scheme, used in radio and print, was for a “Guaranteed Bug Killer”. The offer provided a way of permanently eliminating all bugs, ants,roaches,flies, fleas, lice - you name it - – as well as other pestiferous critters such moths, spiders, termites, weevils, garden bugs of all kinds. The Bug Killer offered was absolutely harmless to all pets, children and today it would be claimed as being harmless as far as environmental hazards which might be concerned. It was guaranteed. Some places charged several dollars for it; others asked only one dollar for a sample. Some suggested it was a one treatment, too.
Naturally, many bug-battered people, ordered the product. Within a few days they got the “prompt shipment” they had been promised. The packet was opened immediately and very carefully.
It contained two small wooden blocks. On the surface of one block they saw printed instructions: “Place bug here. Place Block 2 on top. Press firmly.”
Very few people talked about having been so dumb. So the scam continued. Rest assured, it will return or may even be out there right now now in some guise.
The other scam called for an enterprising individual to place a classified ad in the local newspaper which always read: “Notice: Today is the last day you can mail a one dollar bill to Box ---, Dept ----”.
You, may not think it possible but there was always a few suckers out there who would do so with dreams of fantastic reward for their prompt action. The writer of the ad checked the Box No. the next day or so, and used the money he received to get to the next town which had a local paper.
One word: Don't!
A.L.M. October 20, 2003 [c395wds]
