| More 'Free Stuff' by Email | |
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| Netlore Archive: Another round of email hoaxes: 'free stuff' from Bath & Body Wors and J. Crew for folks who spam their friends with chain letters |
(Originally published Nov. 11, 1999)
Funny how people who wax skeptical when offered something for nothing on the street abandon all logic when they receive the same kind of offer via email. I can show you dozens of chain letters circulating at this very moment, promising everything from free beer to free computers to free cars, and they're hoaxes, every one.
There's clearly no shortage of Internet users willing to bite on these bogus offers, and, conversely, no shortage of pranksters willing to capitalize on their gullibility. What we're seeing lately is the same old hoax resurrected again and again in slightly different variations, and folks get suckered by it every time.
For example, just as The Gap was allegedly giving away free clothing to frequent forwarders a few months ago, now Bath & Body Works (we're told) is offering free gift certificates for toiletries. Untold thousands have already forwarded this message to all their friends:
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Subject: Free Bath and body works Certificate, it really works!
Date: Wed, 03 Nov 1999 Hi. I am, Michele Cordova, the founder of Bath & Body Works and I want your business. We are trying a new advertising campaign through the power of YOU, the consumer. In order for this to work, you need to send this e-mail to 13 people and I know that is not a lucky number but that is the number we need in order for this to work. Our computer tracking system will keep count of how many people you send it to so don't feel like you have to send it to thirteen people all at once. You may not send it to the same person more than once unless you internet pals accidently delete the message, we wouldn't want them to miss out on this great offer. To compensate you for your hard work, we are going to send you a $50 dollar gift certificate nationwide. This is not a joke, it will be your loss if you don't send this to 13 PEOPLE. Thanks again! Michele Cordova
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Can it possibly be that simple?
No. A service representative I spoke with at Bath & Body Works (800 395-1001) said the company is not conducting email promotions of any kind. It's a hoax.
Who is Michele Cordova and why is she pretending to give away products? I have no idea. Bath & Body Works is a division of Intimate Brands, Inc., which in turn is a spin-off of The Limited. The founder and CEO of both companies is Leslie Wexner.
But hope springs eternal. Did you know you that J. Crew is running a similar chain-letter promotion? Read this:
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Subject: Fwd: J. Crew Promotion
Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 Hello readers!
For every ten people you forward this two, your AOL screen name will receive an online J.Crew gift certificate worth fifty dollars. There is no limit to how many people you can send this to. This is simply an online promotion to increase the usage of our internet website. We appreciate your help in passing on this letter. Thank you for your support! Feel free to visit our online store at http://www.jcrew.com |
Is this one for real? Sure it is — and pigs can fly.
I spoke yesterday to a J. Crew representative (800 851-3189) who very apologetically told me the email is "phony." He also said the company hopes to track down where the hoax message came from. (I have a hint for J. Crew. Two words: America Online.)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I just received a message saying I can help save a dying child's life just by sending copies to everyone I know.
God bless the Internet!
Further reading:
Varieties of Netlore: Chain Email
What chain letters are and why they're so popular on the InternetFurther Adventures in Email Tracking
Genealogy of an Internet folk belief
