100 years ago and relevant today. Seriously, how long has this been going around? ...
Manassas Journal
January 18, 1924
SWINDLER TESTS MANASSAS MAN
Man "Imprisoned" in Spain Offers Reward for Aid in Recovery of Hidden Fortune
Rev. J. M. Bell, in a polite letter from Madrid, Spain, is importuned to aid the writer -- to recover a sum of $360,000 hidden by him in America, for which act of goodness Mr. Bell is offered "the third part; namely, $120,000."
The letter, in careful script on a single sheet of paper ruled both ways in blocks, is evidently a very good piece of printing giving the impression of a hand-written letter.
"I cannot receive your answer in prison," the writer informs Mr. Bell, "but you must send a cablegram to a person of my confidence, who will deliver it to me."
"Awaiting your answer, to intrust you all my secret," he signs himself only "R. de S., " while prominently displaying at the bottom of the letter these instructions:
"First of all answer by cable, not by letter as follows: Andres Cruiz, Lista Telegrafos. Orduna Gizcaya. Samples received. 91. Bell."
Although relieved even of the small responsibility of wording the cablegram Mr. Bell up to the time of going to press had not sent it. When interviewed by The Journal he showed no distress over the plight of his Madrid correspondent and no signs of curiosity concerning the get-rich-quick "secret" which doubtless has swindled many simple-minded folk of all their savings.
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