The check shows up at my work on a sunny afternoon. The return address is from someone she's never mentioned in Las Vegas, Nev. The check itself is signed by someone else she's never mentioned. Even the name on it -- Harry Smith, which is yet another unknown name -- is amazingly fake. I'm still floored that people actually fall for these scams. How can you miss all these glaring, problematic details?
I'll tell you how. When you're holding what appears to be a very, very genuine check for $3,550 in your hands, you'll believe just about any truth a stranger dangles in front of you. There's no way to show from these scanned images how real that check is. The watermarks, the microprinting on the back, the security screen -- if I didn't known the source I wouldn't have doubted it for an instant. One of my sisters works in the banking industry. When I show her the check she shakes her head at my suggestion that it's been made from scratch. "It's the real thing," she says. Too bad everything printed on it is not.
My character is oblivious to all of this. He is, however, concerned about that "artistic connection." And it doesn't take Staci long to produce.
4 emails
from ------------ <------------@gmail.com>
to staci martin
date Sat, Mar 8, 2008 at 1:52 PM
subject Re: Good morning
mailed-by gmail.com
Dear Staci
I need to talk about something. I have sat at my desk last night and this morning looking at your check and thinking about us living in the same house. I thought I was done being worried about us being matching and connected people. But now I am worried again.
Staci, I need to know if you are a creative person. I know you are pretending that you can't write poetry. I know you have written poems!!! Like I said many emails ago, I cannot live with someone who doesn't have a love for the creative. You need to show it to me. You need to prove that we can live under the same roof and enjoy the same things.
You must send me poetry you have written.. I can't cash that check until I have read your creativity and know that we are a good roommates match.
I hope you understand. It's very easy to send me your writting!! You do not need to be shy anymore.
from staci martin
to ------------ <------------@gmail.com>,
date Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 4:53 AM
subject RE: Good morning
mailed-by hotmail.com
Hello A---,
I am very pleased and happy to let you know that i am a honest and respectful lady...I do not really know what you mean in your last email but i think i have an idea..do you really think we can get anquinted...i do not know if you are still married and your age is not so old for me..I would love to live with you and i know that moving to your area would be so much fun for me..yes i do know how to do a little bit of writting poetry..but am not so good...it also depends on you on how soon you can handle the payment so then we can finally meet in person and speak face to face which i will find interesting..i am here looking at your picture in a frame....cux i cant really wait to see you..you have been so wonderful and helpfull....my shipper called and is waiting to get my things ready to be shipped but just a little financial delay from you which i know would be handled soon....i do want you to take me places when i come and i believe if you feel so much for me and treat me like a woman that i am i promise in my power to make you happy for the rest of your days...heres a little poetry for you.though its the first of 2 that i had ever since i was 25years...i know you will understand why i decided to send you this.
These words were never even words
Just a hateful burst of emotion
And even now the memory hurts
As I look in my reflection
And as I wonder why I'm here
My face blurs with a single tear
Your sentence of lets just be friends
The last word turns round to say ok
But in my heart my future ends
As this heartbreak worsens everyday
Yet still I beg your love again
Although it caused me only pain
The thought of facing the world alone
Scares me as you left me here
Confused of just what I did wrong
Suddenly nothing is clear
My hand feels empty, my soul undone
As I believed you were the one
Unsure, naïve, a dangerous mix
So trusting of your loving eyes
And now a heart that can't be fixed
I couldn't see through your disguise
My eyes bleeding mascara tears
Black, no beauty, a thousand fears
I will be waiting to know once you have handled western union please reply me as soon as you can.
Cares.
Staci.
from ------------ <------------@gmail.com>
to staci martin
date Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 11:43 AM
subject Re: Good morning
mailed-by gmail.com
Staci
I'm am emotional after reading your poem. What pain you must have felt when you wrote it. I have to admit that the by the end my eyes were wet. "My eyes bleeding mascara tears" is such a powerful line. Your creativity amazes me. I think we be a very good roommate match. Thank you for openening your soul to me.
Tonight I will email more but right now I wanted to let you know that I'n going to my bank first thing in the morning to deposite the your check. There is a Western Union store close by and I will walk there right away!
from staci martin
to ------------ <------------@gmail.com>,
date Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 4:01 PM
subject waiting on transfer Informations
mailed-by hotmail.com
Hello A---,
I am really proud to have met you knowing how great you have affected my life and how much you still will...i cant really wait to be in the room and to finally meet you...my other goods are already set to be moved to the apartment so i will just be waiting to give to the shipper western union details please do let me know the exact amount sent and all other necessary details..i bet today is sunday and banks will not be opened but am sure you can handle this first thing monday morning...will be waiting to read from you.
Staci
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