A got one about a month ago from Nigeria. The message said that my long-lost uncle, aunt, and their child had been killed in a car accident in Nigeria and they located me as one of the only family members that could claim their $3.5 million. The details were very vague of course. Here is what I wrote back:
“That is horrible. I knew Uncle Pitt and Aunt Doylene when I was growing up but my family lost track of them after he moved to Egypt to work in international relations. I didn’t even know if they ever had a child. I knew that they were trying hard before they left but he had fertility problems. I can’t ever imagine why he never contacted his family again. I just called my aunt to tell her the news and she is destroyed. We are going to arrange a memorial service next Monday, November 1st at our church. Do you have any personal trinkets such as pictures, letters, or favorite knickknacks that we can use for the service? I know that it will be hard to get them from here from Nigeria so fast but we can pay for rapid delivery. Let me know and we can work out the details of the money transfer in a few days after the service is over.”