23

Recently I noticed an advertisement for a nanny position that seemed a little odd. The ad purported to be from an individual named Mary Lee of London, England. The requirements were fairly simple: basic English skills and knowledge of Asian affairs. The proposed salary was £850 per week, or nearly $1,300. A very attractive offer indeed.

That this was a scam was immediately clear. It is unlikely that anyone needing a nanny in London would advertise in Washington, DC. But, if they did, the requirements would be much more stringent than those listed. However, the most obvious clue was that the message was posted from an IP address, not in London, but in Nigeria. So, having uncovered this obvious scam, I did the only rational thing someone in my position would do. I applied for the job.