Credit Where It Is Due

Credit Where It is Due

I like to make photographs, and I enjoy being praised for what I have done. But God teaches a different attitude, one of thankfulness and humility. He pointed that out to me recently. I DO NOT MAKE THESE PHOTOGRAPHS ALONE. I didn't create the light, or the technology which makes photography possible. I didn't buy my camera, it was a gift from my husband. I didn't give myself the ability to see through the camera in order to make an image which others find pleasing. It is right to use what I have been given to the best of my ability, but it is wrong to take credit for what I have not done. God made the light, the elements which are used to manufacture the camera, and the world from which these images come. He has given me gifts: people to teach me, eyes to see with, and a brain to process information. I am thankful for these gifts. He deserves all the praise, not I.

Monday, August 3, 2009

I Got Mail

I got mail today. Addressed to me. Window envelope. No return address. The stamp said "Royal Mail."

I thought "Hm, that's strange." Turned it over a couple of times, no postmark. Yes, definitely strange.

So, of course, I opened it! It was from "Pharmoney Trust Inc., 1 Caven St, London.W1W6XE, UK"

"Pharmoney?" Far money????

Now, I'm not very trusting. It has served me well. Reading the letter, I found I was the "winner" of $250,000.00. Mr. Peter Marsh had been trying to get hold of me for over 5 months! I needed to call an international phone number within 14 days to claim my money, which would be released after my "Clearance Fee" was paid. I would also be subject to British tax clearance under "section 22 of the United Kingdom Non Resident Tax Act 2003." I was advised to "keep [my] winning information confidential until [my] claims have been fully processed and [my] money remitted to [me]." This was part of their "security protocol." I should call the number given and ask for Peter Marsh or Sara Hamilton. Finally, although the letter had started with Peter Marsh introducing himself, it was signed by "Lethia Revelry, Vice President."

Lethia means forgetfulness. Revelry is partying. Why would I want to respond to this?

I was pretty sure I was being baited by scammers, but I Googled "Pharmoney Trust Inc" to be sure. Every hit was a confirmation.

So I won't be calling the international phone number, or paying the clearance fee. Or keeping my winning information confidential. And I hope if anyone who reads this gets a similar come-on that they will do the same.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness you didn't fall for that scam. Lots of people do or they wouldn't keep doing it.

Thanks for helping me to make history.
Pick a Peck of Pixels

Tracy Hamby said...

Yep, I received one of those today and it was exactly as you describe it.
I feel bad for people whose lives are so narrow that they have to prey on others. I feel even worse for those who sucker for scams like that. Live and learn I guess and karma will take care of the bad guys.