Man uses spam to sell kidney

$1m, 99 year lease, one careful owner

By Team Register • Get more from this author

Posted in Bootnotes, 4th July 2000 15:17 GMT

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A Virginian man is looking to raise at least $1 million by selling his kidney on a 99-year lease. Phillip Jones is emailing media groups outside the US to try and gain publicity for the sale of his vital organ.

The 31-year-old construction worker is looking for a buyer outside the US because the sale of body parts is illegal under federal law, he said today. Unfortunately for Jones, it's also illegal here in Britain.

That, though, doesn't seem to bother the teetotal smoker who says he's fit and healthy. Asked whether he was serious about the sale he said: "It's a genuine offer, yes sir."

"I need the money but I also wanted to do something with my life and help someone else at the same time," he said.

So far he's sent some 30 emails. The ad reads: "SAVE YOUR LIFE !! ACQUIRE A KIDNEY Male 31, excellent health, Type A+, accepting offers, Opening Offer to be one (1) Million U.S. Dollars for a 99 year lease."

He told The Register this morning that he decided to sell his kidney after hearing that other people had done the same successfully.

Last year a number of Net users tried to sell vital organs and babies via the online auction house, eBay. ®