Osama Bin Laden: The Nigerian Email Scam

—By David Corn

| Wed May. 25, 2011 6:42 AM PDT

I received this email today:

My name is Captain Dan Nardiello of the US Marine corps (special) stationed in Pakistan, I found some money after the death of OBL I need someone to help me move it to a safer place, please have it in mind that there is no danger involved. You may contact me on usmc.12@blumail.org so that I can provide you with details.

That Capt. Nardiello sure is a lucky fellow. It turns out that the same thing happened when he was on patrol in Iraq. Two weeks ago, he sent out this email: 

I am Capt Dan Nardiello with the United States Marine Corps here in Iraq,I need your assistance in moving a huge amount of money I found while on patrol out of the country (Iraq). Please do respond only to my private email usmc12@blumail.org indicating your willingness to assist me.

How dumb do those Nigerian scammers think folks are? Then again, maybe it's the Pakistani ISI that's behind this one.

Get Mother Jones by Email - Free. Like what you're reading? Get the best of MoJo three times a week.

Photo Essays + Slideshows

Returning from Iraq, the Damage Done

It's easy to send soldiers off to war. It's harder to face them when they come home.

Hot Town, Summer in the City

Bronx Riviera feeling dirty and gritty.

Can You Spot the Future Americans?

A mosaic of immigrant ID photos.

Chernobyl, 25 Years On

Radiation checkpoints. Contaminated mushrooms. A quarter century after the meltdown, meet the families who chose to stay.

See All