This is an example of what I call a mystery scam. Instead of a long and elaborate story about deposed dictators and rich orphans, “Mrs. Lineo Simmons” just wants to get you on her hook.
(See more examples of mystery scams.)
Like a telemarketer who leaves a message on your phone saying, “I’ve got a deal for you, give me a call,” Mrs. Simmons figures if she can just get you to reply she’ll be able to manipulate you into doing what she wants.
From: Farrah Merchant farrah.merchant@aku.edu
Subject: Can you be sincere on this?
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2015
Reply-To: mfaraisimmons@yahoo.com.twPlease I require your honesty for charity purpose and will explain more on your reply. Thanks. Mrs. Lineo Simmons
If you do make the mistake of replying, she’ll probably spin you a story about how she is a dying widow who needs to dispose of her fortune — and if you’ll just cough up an advance fee, you can have a percentage. Too bad it’s all a scam.
