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419ers check into Priory of Sion

The Knights Templar of scammers

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It's good to see that, after a temporary lull in which the Lads from Lagos seems to have been suffering a creativity crisis, the inventive 419 email is back with a bang. Try this strange offering, courtesy of John Dudmesh:

Dear Beneficiary,

The Priory Of Sion Society of Edinburgh under the jurisdiction of the all Seeing Eye, Master Nick Cobb has after series of secret deliberations and random ballot as selected you to be a beneficiary of 2007 first quarter foundation laying grants and also an optional opening at the round table of the Priory Of Sion Society.

These grants are issued every first quarter of the year around the world in accordance with the objectives of the Priory Of Sion Society as stated by King Francis Aurthor I in 1815 which is to ensure the continuous freedom of man and to enhance mans living conditions.

We will also advice that these grant funds awarded to you which amount to $350,000.00 be used to better the lot of man through your own initiative and also we will go further to inform you that the open slot to become a Priory Of Sion is optional.

I hope you understood and for more information's on what you are to do to make claims of your grant funds awarded to you, do contact the Grant Claims Office Co-Secretary, Name: Barr. Richard Salter, E-mail: grantclaimoffice@Safe-mail.net, and do send along your personal information’s (Names, Residential Address,Occupation,Tel/Fax Numbers Sex, Age and Country) for the procurement of the necessary document that will enable you make claims of your awarded funds promptly.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs. Judith Ernest.

Co-ordinator.

Priory Of Sion Society of Palmerston Place Lane, Edinburgh

Spooky. Those of you who like a good conspiracy will be aware that the Priory of Sion was allegedly founded in the 11th century, subsequently established the Knights Templar as its military wing and has since cast a dark shadow over world affairs (see The Da Vinci Code for more fuel for your black helicopters).

In fact, and entirely appropriately, the Priory of Sion was a hoax perpetrated in 1956 by one Pierre Plantard, who reckoned he could put together a sort of masonic order to back his claim to the throne of France - an entertaining concept worthy of the great 419 fantasy architect MARIAM ABACHA herself.

Still, $350k and a place at the all Seeing Eye's round table is not to be sniffed at, even though we suspect the latter is more of an ordinary square affair in a downtown Lagos internet cafe. ®

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