People must be bored

I got this email recently from someone at work. here it is.


It is important

Please advice all you know
> > > Beware!!!
> > >
> > > Thieves are putting a thin clear, rigid plastic
> > > "sleeve: into the ATM card slot. When you insert your card, the
> > > machine cannot read the strip, so it keeps asking you to re-enter
> > > your pin number. Meanwhile, someone behind you watches as you
> > > enter and re-enter your number. Eventually you give up, thinking
> > > the machine has captured your card and walk away. The
> > > thieves then remove the plastic sleeve complete with
> > > card, and empty your account. The way to avoid this
> > > is to run your finger along the card slot before you
> > > put your card in. The sleeve has a couple of tiny
> > > prongs that the thieves need to get it out of the
> > > slot, and you will be able to feel them. Law
> > > enforcement would like as many people as possible to
> > > be aware of this scam, so please pass this information
> > > on to your friends and family and associates.
> > >
> > > Send to all the people you know".

Now, if theres one thing I hate it's this type of "send it to everyone you know" email. If it's not bodyless kids who need a new body, mutant chickens or corrosive cola it's something else. Thankfully this one didn't have a warning attached of some dreadful calamity that would afflict me for ignoring it.

Now, I couldn't let this one go, so I emailed a response and copied it to everyone on the original email. here it is.

"Dear all,

Another case,

As u place your card in the ATM machine and successfully remove your money, a man behind u beats u round the head with a blunt instrument (club, baseball bat etc.) thus rendering you unconscious. He then runs off with your money, wallet, expensive jewelry, clothes, shoes etc. When you regain consciousness, you realize what a mug you’ve been and you return home a wiser (yet poorer) person. So, what can u do to avoid such embarrassing scenarios in future?

1. Keep all your money under your mattress (not advisable for the incontinent)
2. Use a bank that has no ATM’s (National Bank of Tibet, Commercial Bank of Birundi, etc)

If you must use an ATM, remember these golden rules…..

1. Quickly glance over your shoulder. If the customer behind you is carrying a heavy blunt instrument and/or wearing a balaclava, politely offer him use of the machine first. If he refuses, run like the wind and don't look back.
2. Wear a heavyduty motorcycle helmet. However, this does leave softer body parts vulnerable to attack …so beware.
3. Buy a baseball bat and balaclava of your own and make your withdrawals without the need for a card.

I hope the above is helpful and happy withdrawals".