Yarrr…!
So this happened today:
Hi
Checking in to see if we can catch up briefly over email. I want to ask you for a little assistance..
Helen x
Hi Helen,
This message sounds just like what you get with an address book virus! But it’s your legit email, so I guess it’s really you.
I’m at your disposal,
S.
Sorry to bother you as I’m in the hospital, do you order on Amazon?
Helen x
Oh, gosh – what’s wrong? And yes, I do. This sounds even more like an address book virus!
S.
Actually, I need help purchasing an Apple e-gift card for a friend’s daughter battling cancer. Today’s her birthday, and I’m trying to make her smile, but I’ve had trouble buying it online as I’m currently being treated for laryngitis in the hospital. Please could you help me buy it on Amazon? I’ll make sure to reimburse you today. Your help would mean a lot to her.
Let me know if you can assist, and I’ll share her email address, amount, and message to include in the gift
Helen x
Spoiler: it was an address book virus. Turns out, she knows about it already, too – one old dear already got scammed for £250. Don’t tell me Amazon can’t figure a way to stop this kind of thing. (Erm, I’m assuming everyone knows gift cards are the preferred currency of online scammers).
I asked MidJourney for Amazon gift card pirates. Not very good. Not crosseyed dude on right. I was rather taken with the grumpy cat in the middle, though.
February 9, 2026 — 7:12 pm
Comments: 4