If you have been on the Internet, for any period of time, you are likely using IM (Instant Messaging) also. I'll even bet that you have been "Hit-on" by someone, representing themselves as an admirer, who wants to develop a closer relationship with you. The Lord knows that I have.

Perhaps, I am more susceptible because I show myself as "Single" in a couple of profiles that I've posted. I'm even ashamed to admit it, however that I have wasted time and energy responding to a couple of these approaches ... LOL ...

This article is about one such unsolicited approach. Included are the initial, un-edited (except to remove the actual e-mail and IM "addies" and the person's name that was used) and my response to this e-mailer."

On that particular day, I used the same letter again, only changing the name and how many times "Her" profile was viewed numbers. Since then, I've become less communicative before blocking further contact from the "Fakes."

The e-mail said, "There is nothing better for the spirit or the body than a love affair. It elevates the thoughts and flattens the stomachs. We seek the comfort of another. Someone to share and share the life we choose. Someone to help us through the never-ending attempt to understand ourselves. And in the end, someone to comfort us along the way. I must confess that it is with great joy and enthusiasm that I am writing you this mail, which I know and believes by faith that it must surely find you in good condition of health. Happiness is an attitude of mind, born of the simple determination to be happy under all outward circumstances. Happiness is an endowment and not an acquisition. It depends more upon temperament and disposition than environment.

My name is (Name removed). One is not bound to have all the joys in live. You may have everything in life but there are still those things which one may needed that seems very common to others and yet it kept on giving hard times. Everyone has his or her own share of pains to bear in life. I've got mine and you've got yours. But we need to lean on each other to keep life smooth going. You may be financially alright, physically and you may be lacking on the emotional side of it. I am working and what I am getting monthly is keeping me fine but I am lacking the right man in my life, someone to hold on, someone to lean on, someone who could be there for me all the time, Someone to share fun with, bad times and good times, trial times, Celebration times, rainy and sunny times of life. I need an honest, trust worthy and God fearing man. Why don't we give ourselves a trial on pen pal relationship and see what the future holds for us. We do add me to your list and let chat please give me back your own yahoo or MSN and so I can add you and let chat. This are mine:"

I replied,

What a lovely intro message you have sent to me. I am truly impressed, not just by the fact that both your words and you are beautiful, but the fact you felt it was necessary to send it to so many. Why, 57 other men and /or women have viewed your profile today... LOL ...

How many pen-pals do you need? Are you a student of venerable, lonely humans, a "Spammer-Scammer", or what?

Hey, (Name removed), I'm a real human. Visit my personal Website (Site name removed) or click on my (Removed) IM. I hope that you have a web-cam, as I do. Too many an attractive young woman has initiated contact with me in an attempt to extract money for emergencies and/or plane fair... LOL ...

Do I look stupid, or what? A pretty picture does not cut it. It could be a picture of anybody, along with other forthcoming pictures of the woman (both clad and naked), cars, homes and girlfriends, that the "Scammer" has acquired to represent himself or herself.

Yep! I'm 58-years-old, in 2006, single, and looking."

The real question is, "Are you even for real?"

Russ Miles is author of the novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO. A