Noah Shachtman
Security

Bateman 1, E-mail Scammer 0

When last we left Lt. Colonel Bob Bateman, he was uncovering — and explaining — the sudden outbreak of hugs in Pentagon. Now, he’s got himself a new relationship, with a e-mail scammer claiming to be Sergeant in Iraq. Hilarity, as they say, ensues. He’s a snip:

When last we left Lt. Colonel Bob Bateman, he was uncovering -- and explaining -- the sudden outbreak of hugs in Pentagon. Now, he's got himself a new relationship, with a e-mail scammer claiming to be Sergeant in Iraq. Hilarity, as they say, ensues. He's a snip:

*Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2008 05:05:11 +0300
From: [email protected]
To: R_Bateman_LTC

Subject: ASSISTANCE NEEDED FROM IRAQ!!!!!!

Hello Pal,

I hope my email meets you well. I am in need of your assistance. My name is Sgt Joey Jones

I am a military attache with the Engineering unit here in Ba'qubah Iraq for the united states, we have about $25 Million American dollars here which is in our possesion and we are ready to move out of the country.

My partners and I need a good partner someone we can trust to actualize this venture.

The money is from oil proceeds and legal.But we are moving it through diplomatic means to your house directly or a safe and secured location of your choice using diplomatic courier services.

But can we trust you? Once the funds get to you, you take your 40% out and keep our own 60%. Your own part of this deal is to find a safe place where the funds can be sent to,our own part is sending it to you.

If you are interested I will furnish you with more details,
Awaiting your urgent response.
Email:[email protected]
Your Buddy.
Sgt Joey Jones.

IN GOD WE TRUST...
-------------------------------------------------------------

This message was sent using Swiftkenya's Webmail Service. http://www.swiftkenya.com

Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008
From: R_Bateman_LTC
Subject: MAIL FROM IRAQ
To: [email protected]

Dear Sergeant Jones,

I find your appeles VARY interesting. I was in Iraq myself, and I know that Diyala Province is a tricky place. It must have tekken you a long time to get that much money from the oil proceededs. I am currently stationed in the Pentagon, and we could always use more moneys. Please tell me how we should move forwards. Our F-22 project can use this inflow, as the Air Force already used all the money for that on some desperately needed golf course renovations.

Yours in Solidarity,

The Bateman

PS~ Why does the bottom of your e-mail say that it was sent using
'Swiftkenya's Webmail Service'? I was not aware that Kenya had joined our Coalition. That is great news!!!! Are they providing internet-in-a-box to your FOB?*