Need Advice About a "Legalized" Chain Letter

Updated on November 05, 2008
J.C. asks from Garner, NC
7 answers

Yesterday my husband received a letter that we've all probably seen at one time or another. It's a chain letter (though it says it's not) requesting we send $1 to each of the 7 names at the bottom of the letter. What has gotten my curiosity up is that the writer says he took it to an attorney who declared it was legal because there is a product or service you receive for paying your $1. You request that your name be put on the receiver's mailing list. That's the service you receive that supposedly makes this whole thing legal. The other reason I'm thinking about doing this is that it says "Oprah Winfrey and ABC's investigation team 20/20 prove it can be done." Here's what I would have to do: Send $1 to the 7 names on the letter, buy a "mailing list" from DATAFAX,Inc for $45 for 200 name and address labels, then send copies of the letter (with my name at the bottom of the list)to those 200 people. It says there is a 7.5% response rate, but multiplied by the chain reaction, will result in significant cash coming in. I figure it'll cost around $140 for the mailing list, postage, envelopes, etc. Now we are not really hard up for money, but we do have some debt that needs to be paid off and my 2 youngest children need braces, so I would love to pay off some debt and not have to get further in debt to the orthodontist.
Any of you lawyers, tax specialists, etc have any advice for me about whether this is a complete scam or not? And how would I pay taxes on the cash coming in (if it really does?)

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B.M.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi J.,
My name is B. and I also received the same chain letter last year. I did a lot of looking on the web and was concerned about people's comments and their failures and pay out of a significant amount of money to start up with mailing list etc. I decided it wasn't worth the risk. I would really think about it and if the money it costs to get going with it is money that you won't miss, should it not work, then give it a shot.
I have found that 99% of these kinds of get rich quick things ARE scams.
Good luck

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C.D.

answers from Raleigh on

If you are ever in doubt of any e-mail you receive, you can check out snopes.com where they research this and give it a true or false rating. (I am not at all affiliated with this site). I searched chain letters and this story comes up and it is declared false. It is extremely similar to your chain letter, and probably was refabricated to scam more people. Here is the weblink:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/scams/chain.asp

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.G.

answers from Raleigh on

I would use the $140 to pay some of your debt instead of responding to the chain letter.

Sounds like a scam to me.

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S.D.

answers from Raleigh on

I hate to admit this and but don't do it. I did and it's a scam. We received nothing. Keep your money! It actually will cost you more. Don't forget stamps, paper and ink.

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S.A.

answers from Raleigh on

Minimal investment for a significant return...
sound too good to be true.

Spend the $140 on your debt or put it aside towards braces... dont waste your money on a scam

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.P.

answers from Raleigh on

I am sure this is a scam. Dont be fooled!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Raleigh on

These letter are at your own risk. I did have one a few years ago and didn't trust the source. That just wasn't the risk I was willing to take. The turn out, I will not know and I am ok with that.

Ps. There are great opportunities for your college student in Avon - they offer a savings plan and a scholarship program she can apply for. (For representaives: see my business link or visit www.youravon.com/jdolby

It could help with cost (if needed) and even a health, dental and vision plan.

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