I received your cashier's check for $8,750. Unfortunately, due to newly enacted IRS regulations, we'll have to withhold 95% of your winnings, Ralph. You can apply in 17 years for their repatriation.

In the meantime, I need your approval to invest the withheld proceeds in a Romanian based venture capital fund. Swiss bankers are providing the letters of credit on behalf of the investors. Fortunately, we can deliver the investment in a few short weeks when we stop on our Black Sea Cruise, at no additional expense.

Your original contact said he'd be sure to get you the additional 5% of the lottery winnings, as soon as you confirm the bank account details and secret password for wire transfer purposes.

You will own your undivided proportionate share of bridges and prime waterfront land beyond your wildest expectations. You should expect a free timeshare allotment as soon as the development is 40% complete. Fred signed up mere hours ago, so we've only got the one remaining slot for foreign investors ...

:p <img border="0" alt="[beer]" title="" src="graemlins/beer.gif" /> :p

Cheers, Anne