By now the phenomenon of the Nigerian email spammer is old hat, and those emails that make it through my filter typically go straight into the trash. I opened one this morning -- from Hong Kong rather than Nigeria as it turns out -- for giggles and was not disappointed. The attempt at affecting a business-like tone remnds me of the scene from "My Fair Lady" when Prof Higgins takes his protege to the Ascot Opening Day:

FROM: Mr.Patrick K. W. Chan
(Executive Director & Chief financial Officer)
Hang Seng Bank Limited
83 Des Voeux Road, Central
Hong Kong SAR

FOR YOUR ATTENTION

It is understandable that you might be a little
bit apprehensive because you do not know me but I
have a lucrative business proposal of mutual
interest to share with you. I got your reference in
my search for someone who suits my proposed
business relationship.

I am Mr. Patrick K. W. Chan Executive Director &
Chief financial Officer of Hang Seng Bank Ltd. I
have an obscured business suggestion for you. I
will need you to assist me in executing a business
project from Hong Kong to your country. It
involves the transfer of a large sum of money.
Everything concerning this transaction shall be legally
done without hitch. Please endeavour to observe
utmost discretion in all matters concerning this
issue.

Once the funds have been successfully transferred
into your account, we shall share in the ratio
to be agreed by both of us.

I will prefer you reach me on my private email
address below (patkwchan57@yahoo.com.hk) and
finally after that I shall furnish you with more
information’s about this operation.

Please if you are not interested delete this
email and do not hunt me because I am putting my
career and the life of my family at stake with this
venture. Although nothing ventured is nothing
gained.

Your earliest response to this letter will be
appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Mr. Patrick Chan