A Brief History of the 419 Scam

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Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 3:51 pm

Ever wanted to know the history of the 419 Scam?

Anti Fraud News has just published a "Brief History of the 419 Scam"

Summary:
Here we explore a brief history into the 419 Scam, it's origins and how it has progressed throughout the years to become the scam it is today.

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2013 1:17 pm

I read it really took off when the Penny Post post was introduced. It was possible to send and receive letters anonymously to virtually any address. Lodging house or pub. Perfect for the itinerant con-man.

This is regarded as one of the most successful formats ever written:

Quote:

You have a need for other people to like and admire you, and yet you tend to be critical of yourself. While you have some personality weaknesses you are generally able to compensate for them. You have considerable unused capacity that you have not turned to your advantage. Disciplined and self-controlled on the outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure on the inside. At times you have serious doubts as to whether you have made the right decision or done the right thing. You prefer a certain amount of change and variety and become dissatisfied when hemmed in by restrictions and limitations. You also pride yourself as an independent thinker; and do not accept others' statements without satisfactory proof. But you have found it unwise to be too frank in revealing yourself to others. At times you are extroverted, affable, and sociable, while at other times you are introverted, wary, and reserved. Some of your aspirations tend to be rather unrealistic.

Though not 419 and never intended as a scam format. Sideshow fortune tellers and fakirs have used it to con the gullible for years. Madam Miso, would have it written on the back of a mirror while the victims stared into the glass revealing their souls.

Source: http://www.paranormal-encyclopedia.com/f/forer-effect/

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