Sunday, August 9, 2009

The credulous leading the gullible

The Washington Post has an interesting article about Nigerian email scammers. Near the end, there's this tidbit:

But in these tough times, the scammers said, they are relying more on a crucial tool: voodoo. At times, Banjo said, he has traveled six hours to the forest, where a magician sells scam-boosters. A $300 powder supposedly helps scammers "speak with authority" when demanding payment. A powder, rubbed on the face, reportedly makes victims viewing the scammer through webcams powerless to say no.

"No matter what, they will pay," said Olumide, a college student, adding that he is boosting his romance scams by wearing a magical, live tortoise hanging from a cord around his neck.


It's bad enough if you get scammed, but it's worse if the guy scamming you thinks that wearing a live tortoise around his neck will improve his love life.

Hm... maybe rubbing Testudo's nose has nothing to do with passing exams after all.

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