Topic

First Concerted Scam Attempt? Or Honest Deal? Or just a joke I didn't get?

I have always believed in the old adage "If it is too good to be true it usually is," and have seen far too many cases of PT Barnum's "sucker born every minute," so I am very chary of things like this note which i found all over the world today.  Directly quoting leaving out the Player (?) name it is a Pyramonzi (Pyramid-Ponzi Scheme?)

The text that follows is intact with spelling and grammar errors left in place, with the exception of the redaction of the note-leaver's name.  Italics are mine to separate it from the body of this post.

"Game economy got you down? Luckily, "Dr. <redacted>s Pyramonzi Finance L.L.C." can help. We have a secret yet proven method of making your investments grow. And not only will they grow -  they'll grow so Glitchin' fast you'll swear that our super-secret vaults are located in the Guano Pits of Ilmenskie! The oh-so-juicy details:

Invest you funds with us. Half an hour later (yes friends! half an hour!) we return your funds, plus an extra 29% of your investment, no questions asked! Why not? Because its your money! You paid for it! How do we do it? Well, all we can say at this point is that it wouldn't work if we told you how it works. But trust us, it works! Your wallet will love it! Your pigs will love it!

Therefore, we hereby swear on a stack of TP scripts that our investment plan is sound, safe & without risk for all investments between 1 and 6,247 Currants.Contact Dr. <redacted> in person or via mail to start yourself on the road to riches today!

(*not affiliated with NumNum Inc.)
"

So what do the rest of you think.  I tightened the closures on my bags every time I saw a note like this lying on the ground. If it was intended as humour I apologise, but this kind of thing happens to the unwary, the trusting, and the gullible every day via Social Engineering.

~TJ Fuzzybutt

Posted 16 months ago by Thaddeus J Fuzzybut Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

  • I think your initial suspicions are correct, but I am not convinced the intent is malicious.  I saw this note too and it made me giggle.  It reminds me of the "eviction notices from the neighborhood association" that a player left outside his neighbors houses once.  Not all of them thought it was a joke though, so I understand your concern. 

    Once I found a note outside one of the locked door streets offering to sell the key for $500 or something ridiculous.  I just left a note next to it indicating that it spawned for free every minute or so just a few steps away.   Maybe you could fight back with something similar--

    I actually like this kind of stuff.  It's got more play to it than just ripping someone off by selling them a free-to-cheap item for dear at auction.
    Posted 16 months ago by Nanookie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I found one in a subway and I thought it was a joke, myself.  Particularly considering all currants will go *poof* in the reset.
    Posted 16 months ago by Lelu Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I saw it on the subway stop too. We poked fun at the poster in chat later.
    Posted 16 months ago by Fokian Fool Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Well then you gotta realize it is your money. You, the player, are investing into it, risking the fact that it could be taken from you. So it's ultimately up to the player to decide how zany this is, and whether or not it's truly trustworthy.

    Anyone can make it sound convincing though, with some free time and pure boredom.
    Posted 16 months ago by AlexanderTheGreat Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Alexander - I would never participate in this - too close to Bernie Madoff for my tastes.

     I am concerned though that this seems to bode unwell if it is a true scam.  We're not even out of beta yet and if this was a "real" attempt at scamming the "bad guys" are already here.

    /shrug

     I have never understood the scammer mindset, I hope it was indeed intended as a joke.

    Again I was not asking because I wanted to participate in the "investment strategy" but in general as to the author's intent and the effect this kind of thing will have on a game like Glitch.

    ~~ TJ Fuzzybut
    Posted 16 months ago by Thaddeus J Fuzzybut Subscriber! | Permalink
  • clearly he has the word "doctor" in his name so he can be trusted for swapping minor organs or sums of money...  I would suggest investing at least 1 promissory note of your own minting with a yet unproven but likely value of the amount specified.
    Posted 16 months ago by Artilect Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Mostly this stuff will confuse and frustrate the newbies I think.
    Posted 16 months ago by gimmegames Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +1 Artilect. Good point.
    Posted 16 months ago by emdot Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I made the following one for jokes, but it is to also help show that this will be an issue with Glitch when it goes public (One that devs and GA's/GM's will need to tackle sooner or later):

    REQUEST FOR CURRANTS

    FIRST, I MUST SOLICIT YOUR STRICTEST CONFIDENCE IN THIS TRANSACTION. THIS IS BY VIRTUE OF ITS NATURE AS BEING UTTERLY CONFIDENTIAL AND 'TOP SECRET'.

    I AM JOSEF QUEH, TOP OFFICIAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS AND AM INTERESTED IN IMPORATION OF BUTTERFLY MILK INTO YOUR GLITCHY COUNTRY WITH CURRANTS WHICH ARE PRESENTLY TRAPPED IN THE GIANTS INNER MINDS. IN ORDER TO COMMENCE THIS BUSINESS WE SOLICIT YOUR ASSISTANCE TO ENABLE US TRANSFER INTO YOUR ACCOUNT THE SAID TRAPPED FUNDS.

    DURING THE LAST ROOK ATTACK, DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS SET UP BIGGER BAGS FULL OF CURRANTS. HOWEVER, BY VIRTUE OF OUR POSITION AS BUREAU SERVANTS, WE CANNOT ACQUIRE THIS MONEY IN OUR LIZARD NAMES. I HAVE THEREFORE, BEEN DELEGATED TO TRANSFER THE SUM OF 1,320,000 CURRANTS TO YOU. HENCE WE ARE WRITING YOU THIS LETTER.

    WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING THIS BUSINESS WITH YOU .

    YOURS FAITHFULLY,

    JOSEF QUEH
    BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS, GREGARIOUS GRANGE, GRODDLE MEADOW
    Posted 16 months ago by c0mad0r Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Better to learn what a pyramid scheme is through Glitch with currants rather than dollars.  I don't see the harm; it is actually quite humorous.  Look at how many of us are currently (and planning to continue after reset) helping noobs.  Balance the good will etc against the worst case scenario of some griefer getting someone else's currants.  A few more mined rocks, a few more plucked cherries, and it's all good.
    Posted 16 months ago by Wiggles The Fluent Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I saw both notes and took it as a joke I about peed myself at the Bureau's note seemed politicy enough thought Washington had something to do with it...
    Posted 16 months ago by SookieYaki Subscriber! | Permalink
  • You know, I just feel better knowing that Dr. <redacted> is not affiliated with Num Num Inc. because those guys can't be trusted.
    Posted 16 months ago by emdot Subscriber! | Permalink
  • And @emdot repeated to emphasize that those guys can't be trusted!
    Posted 16 months ago by Fokian Fool Subscriber! | Permalink
  • heh. Num Num was obviously behind my double posting. my itals offended them. they are delicate. :)
    Posted 16 months ago by emdot Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Lol, this thread is hilarious. Sadly, this sort of griefing is quite likely when the game goes live, but there's not much of a solution. Maybe a warning, a trade window tutorial (while indicating it's the only secure trade option aside auctions)? Other than that...
    Posted 16 months ago by FlirtyvonSexenhaven Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Pyramonzi? Pyramid (scheme) plus Ponzi?

    Yes. It's a joke.
    Posted 16 months ago by Clumdalglitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • It's definitely a joke, and I'm not even worrying about "when the game goes live".  I have been pleasantly surprised, over and over again, at how intelligent, thoughtful, generous, and (for the most part) having of a sense of humor my fellow Glitchen are. This is the internet! The amount of Really Nice People in this game ought to be statistically impossible.

    That's why I'm not worried. I know this is not a community that would fall for a scam. Even if someone thought that it WASN'T a joke, they wouldn't think that it was true.  And--I might be a little naive to think this, but I'll take the gamble--I have this sneaking suspicion that if someone DID send money to the person one of two things would happen:
    1) The person would send the money back.
    2) The person would send the money back, plus the promised 29%.

    I'm actually really, really curious if this would happen. I might test it with 100 currants or so. XDD
    Posted 16 months ago by Arii Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Even though it may have been intended as a joke, someone brought up the question if "scams" were against the rules. Sometimes it is hard to tell is someone is joking or not. Staff said they may have a response on this subject later.
    Posted 16 months ago by Fokian Fool Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I tested this with a small amount of currants. I gave him 300 and in about 20 minutes he sent a letter back.

    "Thank you for your investment! Unfortunately the market fluctuated, meaning my previous calculation than an investment of 300 Currants would yield 387 Currants was incorrect! Please find inclosed 403 Currants! We hope this mistake will be forgiven and look forward to managing your future investments"
    Posted 16 months ago by Tundra Subscriber! | Permalink
  • wow, maybe I should get in on that action after all...
    Posted 16 months ago by Nanookie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hello my dears!

    Greeting to you, My name Blanky from the beatifuul Jethimadh, Ur I married to late Mr. Tim Krinkles. He was Director of Grinkle Industries Ilmenskie . We were married for few days without a Glitchling. He died after the no-no addictions. Recently, My Doctor told me that I would not last long due to Terrible Sneezes. Before husband croaked last year there is a this sum of $30 Million currants.

    This money is still in Basement of our cottage. Having known my fate I decided to donate this fund to any good Giant fearing brother or sister that will be using this fund the way I am going to instruct hereon perchance with regards to according to the desire of my late Husband to help the NO-No afflicted and propagating the word of Ur.

    This is why I am taking this decision to hand you over this currant Fund my lovelies.I am not afraid of hell hence I know where I am going. And the grapes are favorites. I want you to always remember me in your daily meditations because of my up coming Sneeze Removal.ANY DELAY IN YOUR REPLY WILL GIVE ME ROOM IN SOURCING OTHER GLITCHEN FOR THIS SAME PURPOSE.

    Hoping to read from you ASAP.Giants bless you as you listing to the voice of reasoning.

    Yours Sister, Blanky.
    Posted 16 months ago by Blanky Subscriber! | Permalink
  • <3 you Blanky.
    Posted 16 months ago by Nanookie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Blanky - just send me the currants and I'll remember ya each time I sneeze ;)
    Posted 16 months ago by bad2dabone Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Clumdaglitch "Pyramonzi? Pyramid (scheme) plus Ponzi?"

    Wow. I never even thought of it that way. Pyramonzi was my Great-grandfather's maiden name. 

    Dr. Ponzamid Pyramonzi was financial genius and worked hard to serve the financial needs of the Glitches of his generation. Thanks to his efforts Ur made the transition from a barter economy to the present Currant based economy.

    I look forward to carrying on my great grandfather's proud legacy. I know I can not begin to reach his heights, but if I can do a tenth or even a twenty-ninth of what he did, I believe our World will be a richer place.
    Posted 16 months ago by Doctor Yum Yum Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Dr. <redacted>, how can we be sure that there is no affiliation with Num Num, Inc.? I need to be positive you are not connected to them in anyway before trusting you with my investments.
    Posted 16 months ago by emdot Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +π blanky!  :)
    Posted 16 months ago by Lelu Subscriber! | Permalink
  • + 1,320,000  c0mad0r !
    Posted 16 months ago by Aleph Zero Subscriber! | Permalink
  • TJ Fuzzybut - excuse me for not addressing your OP in my post above. I understand and share your concerns. There are far too many notes on the ground, everywhere I go, and I have a strange, haunting fear, a phobia even, of notes leaping into my bags uninvited. Hopefully the janitorial staff will return from their strike invigorated and ready to clean up the streets of UR. 

    With so many horrid notes littering the streets it makes it very difficult for the good notes, those containing my message of munificence, to get out to the Glitches who need them the most. I resisted posting anything about my plans here in the forums from fear that there are those who would take advantage of my generosity. Currently investments are accepted on a restricted basis. Only those Glitchen who feel that they need more Currants than they currently possess are allowed to participate. I feel confident that this select group of investors can be trusted not to try and take advantage of my basic inherent goodness. I value investors such as RachelFrost (see her post above) and the many others I have had the pleasure of assisting with their financial futures. But yes, I am worried that some might take advantage of me with some crazy concocted scheme such as the one created (only for pretend lets hope and pray!) above by c0mad0r.

    I am pleased to see that the staff have officially weighed in on the subject as well. Even though I don't personally know Blanky, I have to say that she seems a kind hearted soul and that if she needed Currants I would potentially consider allowing her become an investor. 

    @emdot. Excellent question, one I am glad you asked! The easiest way to know that I am not affiliated with Num Num, Inc is to read one of my notes! Down at the very bottom of each and every note I include an awesomely informative sentence that I will reproduce for you here for your edification: (*not affiliated with NumNum Inc.)"

    I hope this clears things up and I look forward to seeing you all soon!
    Posted 16 months ago by Doctor Yum Yum Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Thank you for the documented proof, Doc.
    Posted 16 months ago by emdot Subscriber! | Permalink
  • What's 129% of 1 currant?  Please don't say we're getting coinage in glitch! :(  (except for the ones we already have that we can jump for! :) ).

    Even though this may all be in good fun I do worry that newbs might fall for some scheme in their rush to accumulate enough currants to buy a house.
    Posted 16 months ago by Marla Subscriber! | Permalink
  • It certainly is better to fall for some scheme in a game and learn your lesson that way that to do so in real life with real money.
    Posted 16 months ago by WindBorn Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I also wanted to add that Bishops Arch is more formally known as a bridge.  A land-bridge.  If anyone would like to purchase it from me, the price is quite reasonable.  I am adding a couple of lines of text here merely so that I can add:

    tl;dr - I have a bridge I'd like to sell you.
    Posted 16 months ago by Wiggles The Fluent Subscriber! | Permalink
  • i put 6000 gold into dr yum yum's business more for fun. 6000 isn't really anything to me (or to many others), and I was curious to see what would happen.

    There's also no reason to believe he couldn't have a legit business going. It takes money to make money.
    Posted 16 months ago by Mr. Dawgg Subscriber! | Permalink
  • OP: If the person in question could make such money so rapidly, then there would be no need for him to use YOUR money. That is all you need to know to see it is a scam.

    @Blanky - you are my favoritest!
    Posted 16 months ago by Skwid Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Oh ya I saw it. I picked it up and sold it to the vendor for 1 currant. :D
    Posted 16 months ago by Eye Wonder Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I love this entire thread! Very entertaining!!!  :D
    Posted 16 months ago by CoffeeSnob Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I found this note and sent currants. I was returned more than the 29%. I plan to do it again! Thanks Doc. =)
    Posted 16 months ago by Gertie Mack Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Mr. Dawgg - did you get anything back?
    Posted 16 months ago by The Cat Face Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I don't like litter so I've been picking up random notes and use the nearest recycle bin in Glitch, I donate it to the nearest giants shrine.

    I would like to learn a skill that would use those unused, wasted red elements to color my harvested white paper.  My notes would then stand out from all the other white liter, (oops) informational notes with world shattering information for the masses.
    Posted 16 months ago by xoxJulie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Oh, hey, I like the idea of elemental dye! Might work on clothes as well as notes? Or as interior decor?
    Posted 16 months ago by Clumdalglitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • It's really depressing to me to hear that players are removing notes, it is such a good way to make another player smile/laugh, and I often hide notes if the person finds it they send it to me in the mail and I send something back (usually a stack of drinks or food, if its a well hidden note then maybe a gem).  Depressing to hear players are picking up notes and then either keeping or "recycling" them.
    Posted 16 months ago by Laurali Subscriber! | Permalink