Nigerian Scammers and Philosophical Muggers #223

A Short Story on Epistemic Humility and The Best Possible Life, All Things Considered. By Burkay T. Ozturk

Dear friends of Daily Philosophy,

Today I’m very happy to present you one of those rare delights — a philosophical short story! I hope you’ll enjoy it, and feel free to leave a comment for the author, new contributor to Daily Philosophy, Burkay T. Ozturk from Texas and Chicago (aren’t these quite far away from each other?)

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Nigerian Scammers and Philosophical Muggers

By Burkay T. Ozturk

Anton receives an email from an individual who identifies himself as the now-deposed Prince of Nigeria. In his message, the individual informs Anton that he has $500 million in a Nigerian bank account which he wants to transfer to the US where he now resides, and for reasons unspecified, he chose Anton as a business partner of sorts in this endeavor. All Anton needs to do is to wire him $50 to cover processing and transfer fees. Presumably to encourage Anton’s cooperation, the individual promises to send Anton $50 million as reward once the transfer is done.