Creative Consumer: Exposing the Oprah Letter Scam

Jan. 28, 2008 — -- YOU chose this week's topic. Well, one of you did. M.B. wrote in from Romeo, Mich. I always welcome consumer questions from viewers. It keeps me in touch with what's happening in the consumer world and assures that I'm writing about topics of real meaning to folks. So, thank you, M.B. And I hope the rest of you will write to me when there's a consumer question on your mind.

Click here to ask Eli.

Question:[Eli:]I received a letter in the mail the other day that I would like some help with. I will paste the letter so that you can read it. If it is legal and legitimate, I would like try it, but I wanted to do my homework before doing anything. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

"THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW AND ABC'S 20/20 INVESTIGATION TEAM PROVED IT COULD BE DONE!!

PROVEN BY VARIOUS HIGHLY RESPECTED U.S. TV AND RADIO PROGRAMS AS BEING 100 PERCENT LEGAL, FEASIBLE AND TRUE. A 15-YEAR-OLD BOY TRIED IT AND IN 5 WEEKS HE MADE $71,000!

THIS IS NOT A CHAIN LETTER!! THIS IS A PERFECTLY LEGAL MONEYMAKING OPPORTUNITY."

Six months ago I received this letter and ignored it. Five more came within a period of time and I ignored them also. I was tempted, but was convinced it would not work. After three weeks of deliberating, I decided to give it a try, not expecting much. Two weeks went by and nothing happened. The fourth was unbelievable! I ended up with over $400,000. For the first time in years, I am debt free. I am doing it again, only this time, starting with 500 names. I strongly recommend that you follow the instructions exactly as outlined in this letter. P.S. When your money comes in, give 10 percent to charity with good spirit and share your good fortune.

1. Immediately send $1 with a note that says "Please add me to your mailing list" to each of the six names listed below.

2. Remove the #1 person's name; add your name to the #6 position. An easy way to do this is just retype the list — #1 person gone, you at the #6 position, #1 person in #2 position, etc. Then paste that list on top of the one here.

3. After completing items 1 and 2, photocopy and print 200 copies of this entire letter?