Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Thank you Foundazione di Vittorio. We plan to make you proud.

Like you, we at TBWCYL, Inc. get a lot of spam-type mail. And much of it is clearly intended to scam us out of something. Today though we received the following e-mail and we believe this one has to be real, because not only is it from a foundation, but the EU is involved. We think it's probably like a MacArthur genius grant and given its focus on "human growth, educational, and community development," we are assuming that we are being recognized for all the things we do to change lives.

Frankly, we find it all very humbling and we hope we can wear this honor in the most ego-less fashion possible. Still, despite our excitement, and the down payment we just laid out for a new Prius, we're not entirely sure of the foundation's veracity. Further, though we fully expect to collect our money shortly, we would appreciate your thoughts on the award as well. Thank you in advance for your time and feedback.

Foundation's Officer,
Fondazione Di Vittorio,
ITALY
http://www.fondazionedivittorio.it

Concern. ,
The Foundazion di Vittorio, would like to notify you that you have been chosen by the board of trustees as one of the final recipients of a cash Grant/Donaton for your own personal, educational, and business development.

The Fondazione Di Vittorio, established 1977 by the Multi-Million groups and now supported by the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), United Nations Organization (UNO) and the European Union (EU) was conceived with the objective of human growth,educational, and community development. You have been chosen by the Foundazione Di Vittorio as one of the final recipients of a cash Grant/Donation of US $2,500.000.00.

You are required to contact the Executive Secretary below for qualification documentation and processing of your claims. Please endeavor to quote your Qualification numbers N-222-6747, E-900-56) in all discussions.

Executive Secretary: Mr. Camillo Antonelli
Email: fdv-cm@live.co.uk
Tel: Tel:

We cordially congratulate you and your family for this opportunity been provided by the Foundazion Di Vittorio. Please note that these donations/Grants are strictly administered by "European Union (EU), Economic community for West African States (ECOWAS)," under delegated powers from the United Nations Organization (UNO). You are by all means hereby advised to keep this whole information confidential until you have been able to collect your donation, as there have been many cases of double and unqualified claims, due to beneficiaries informing third parties about his/her donation.

Finally, all funds should be claimed by their respective beneficiaries, no later than15 days after notification. Failure to do so will mean cancellation of that beneficiary and its donation will then be reserved for next year`s recipients. On behalf of the Board kindly, accept our warmest congratulations.

Regards.
Mr. Ricardo Antonio
(Foundation officer)

10 comments:

Don said...

Regards.
Mr. Ricardo Antonio
(Foundation officer)


I dunno, I'd think that no matter the country of origin, the rule about never trusting a man with two first names still applies.

TBWCYL, Inc. said...

Excellent point Don, and in fact that very rule is in our amended by-laws. Thank you for the reminder.

Jim said...

My bet is that the Foundazione di Vittorio is making the award in recognition of TBWCYL, Inc.'s well documented success in fighting global warming by being super cool (and changing lives).

Congratulations!

TBWCYL, Inc. said...

It is true, that we have always stressed the importance of documentation and evidence here. It is also true that we prefer to hire the super cool. We just never thought that these things would pay-off quite so handsomely.

Amy said...

You're getting $2.5 million and you're going with a Prius? I hope it's at least customized.

Amy said...

By the way, didn't you see in the e-mail where it said you were "hereby advised to keep this whole information confidential until you have been able to collect your donation?" Oops. You may have screwed up, big time.

Pete said...

"P.S.: In order to claim your $2,500,000 grant, please wire $1,000 as a processing fee to National Bank of Nigeria, Lagos."

TBWCYL, Inc. said...

The money has been wired and the Prius customized, that whole confidentiality thing though, kind of missed that in the excitement. As Raven says, "oh snap."

Don said...

That's exactly the kind of thing that leads to the sort of mayhem you see on Three's Company.

TBWCYL, Inc. said...

But are we talking pre- or post- Don Knotts?