The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-03-14

Lured by the easy prospect of ral of $285, 900 in cash by simply taking thousand dollars, substantial citizens being victimized by the "prisoner."
 Then, when their funds are gone, they learn that for centuries people have been falling for this same bait, or variations thereof. Countless res- idents of the British Isles and the Continent were trapped by the Spanish prisoner of Tarragona from times dating back to before the Napoleonic Wars. Tn recent years, with irregular mail service to and from Spain and with travel even more restricted. the swindlers who operat from Mexico have far outstripped the Spanish syndicate.
 Actual Cases Numerous
 During the past 12 years, this correspondent has had numerous occasions to report actual cases of sWindles, to cable messages of warning which United States con- suls have sent out in endeavor to reduce the toll of these operatives. and to be consulted by people who have received correspondence from the prisoners" agents. Just g. few days ago, a friend in New York City received one of these letters. It is an interesting document and self-explanatory as far as the first phase of the operation goes. It fol- lows:
 My Dear Sir:
 "A person who knows you and who has highly spoken about you has made me trust you very deli- cate matter of which depends the entire future of my dear daughter, as well as my existence.
 q am in prison sentenced for bankruptcy and I wish to know If you are willing to help me save the sum of $285 ,000, which I have in 1bank .bills)fi inside of the secret place in trunk that is deposited in a Custom House In the United States.
 "As soon as send you some un- derstandable evidence it is neces- sary for you to come here and pay the expenses incurred in connec- ton with my process in order to lift the embargo on my suit-caseS one of which contains he necessary documents Ca baggage check that we need 10 take out then trunk that contains the cash and whichc is de- pcsited in Custom House in North America.
 ITO compensate you for all your troubles I will give you the third part fthe said sum.
 Fearing that this letter may not come directly to your hands, will not sign my own name until I heaC from you and then I will entrust you all my secret. For serious req sens that you will know later, please reply via air mail.
 T beg you to treat this matter with the most absolute reserve and discretion. Out to the fact that am in charge Of the prisons schcool can write you freely and in this way.
 For the time being I am signed on L.
 T cannot receive your reply di- rectly to the prison so in case you accept my proposition please air mail your letter to person of my entire trust who will deliver 1t to me safeiy and rapidly"
 Then appears name and address in Mexico City.
 All Letters Similar
 The foregoing letter serves the purpose of Illustrating exactly the working used.
 Here is what happens when "sucker" gets interested. He an- swers and receives a reply asking him to conc to Mexico City. stay at certain hotel. where man (who is described) will meet him in the lobby at certain time. He is to give this man 5000 and he will then go to the penitentiary to see the prisoner, and get the baggage check for the trunk said to be at Leredo. Tex, just across the border, with $235,000 in a secret compart- ment.
 The man is then presumably to go to Laredo, get the suitcase, re- turn to Mexico City with it and keep his share. The bankrulpt pris- Cner will then be able to pay the court-costs of his case and obtain his prisoner. An additional bait, the ."daughter," or "betautiful 18-year- old daughter" as she is sometimes referred to, is thrown in to lure anybody who might have amorous, as well as money-making inclina- tions.
 After the first contact" in Mex leo City, where the victim hands over his money, he waits and watts and never hears from the go-be- tween any more. Some victims then return silently to the United States, while others complain to the police. Dossiers on this subject are filed at the penitentiary in Mexico. The United States consulate general has a similar one. an dthe Post Of- flee Department also has extensive records. Correspondence on the subject indicates that often pros poets are thrilled over the proposi- ton" and that common sense ex- plantations are of no avail"