Confidence tricks: the Spanish Prisoner
Long before the internet...
This con, originating in 1897, is an early iteration of the Nigerian email scam. In the Spanish Prisoner scheme, victims receive a letter (postmarked from Barcelona) from an imprisoned individual who writes:
I beseech you to help recover" a large sum of money "my portmanteau containing a secret pocket... As compensation I will give up to you the third part of the sum, viz, £25,000.
The letter goes on to say,
I cannot receive your answer in the prison, but in case you accept my offer you can send a telegram to a person of my confidence...
There are many references about this confidence trick to explore on Trove
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Captain Moonlite, digitised letters from prison
Cultured, charming and dangerous, Andrew George Scott (c.1842–1880), known as ‘Captain Moonlite’, was an Irish-born bushranger. Awaiting execution at Darlinghurst Gaol in 1880, he wrote many letters which were never sent by authorities and are now preserved in the State Archives Collection
Sentenced to Parramatta Female Factory
This index covers 1819–1829 and lists all women sentenced by the Sydney Court to time in the Parramatta Female Factory. There are c.2500 entries
Past event
Members: Sin City - Sydney Crime Stories 2025
Visit real crime scenes from the past and hear the stories behind the crimes in this members-only walking tour
Corner Albert and Phillip streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Sunday 5 October 10.30am–12.30pm
Tour
Sin City: Sydney Crime Stories
Visit real crime scenes from the past and hear the stories behind the crimes
Corner Albert and Phillip streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Sunday 8 March 10.30am–12.30pm