Have you ever imagined winning the lottery? That one day all the magic numbers line up and you are an instant millionaire. Or even more!

Have you ever wondered if somewhere out there was a distant relative you didn’t know about? Then one day a lawyer calls requesting your presence for the reading of the will and you inherit millions of dollars!

WELL, IT HAPPENED TO ME
Yep, it’s true. I was contacted by a law firm in Alberta, Canada informing me that a relative had passed away. The relative had a life insurance policy but the benefit hasn’t been paid because the deceased didn’t leave a will or stipulate a beneficiary. The firm has been searching for a living relative and they found one, me.
HOW MUCH?
I know you’re wondering. Well, it’s a staggering amount: $9,820,000.
After reading the letter and then getting up off the floor I started thinking of what I would do with the money. How much would I give to my church? How much would I give to my kids? How much would I give to my government? I would definitely get new tires for my wife’s car and probably buy a new fly rod. I’m such a visionary.
I wondered if Sunday would be my last day on the job?
AND THEN?
I should probably mention that the law firm didn’t contact me in person, nor by phone, email, registered mail or by telegram. It was by fax. I didn’t know people still used fax machines. We have one in the office, it’s a dinosaur, but it’s how I got the letter. They obviously tracked me down and discovered where I was employed.
HOWEVER
After further reflection, and some internet surfing, I’ve determined that it’s probably a scam aimed at getting my SS number, bank account numbers and so forth. Wouldn’t surprise me if they needed money to pay filing and processing fees and to compensate them for their time.
Also, the fax had misspelled words, a rather awkward writing style and other clues indicating it was less than a professional document.
Therefore, amidst great sadness, I’ve concluded that I’m not going to be a ten-millionaire and should forget all about it.
Sunday will not be my last day on the job. I hope.
TO CLOSE
Wow, now I wish I hadn’t gone ahead with the tires, talk about spending money before you have it!