The ongoing, deepening war in Iraq has brought us mayhem, death, probably increased terrorism, mounting U.S. budget deficits, and no doubt is responsible for us facing another four years of George Bush. Now the war is bringing us something else: the inevitable scams and fast-buck artists.

And it's not just companies like Haliburton or people like Bernie Kerick who are doing the scamming.

Those who have found the Nigerian bank scams entertaining--or who have been suckered into losing their shirts on these proposed crooked schemes--will be heartened to hear that there's also a new version of the email scam now emanating from the smoking ruins of Iraq.

The following email was received by me two days ago. Read on:

FROM: Sgt. John Mark Fitte

Important Message

To President / Managing Director

Good day,

My name is John Mark Fitte, I am an American soldier, I am serving in the military of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, As you know we are being attacked by insurgents everyday and car bombs.We managed to move funds belonging to Saddam Hussien's family. The total amount is US$25 Million dollars in cash, mostly 100 dollar bills. We want to move this money to you, so that you may invest it for us and keep our share for banking. We will take 50%, my partner and I. You take the other 50%. no strings attached, just help us move it out of Iraq, Iraq is a warzone. We plan on using diplomatic courier and shipping the money out in one large silver box, using diplomatic immunity.If you are interested I will send you the full details, my job is to find a good partner that we can trust and that will assist us. Can I trust you? When you receive this letter,kindly send me an e-mail signifying your interest including your most confidential telephone/fax numbers for quick communication also your contact details. This business is risk free. The box can be shipped out in 48hrs.

Respectfully,

Sgt. John M. Fitte

The fact that "Sgt. Fitte" uses an email address for the India Times newspaper should raise a red flag for those who don’t recognize the MO of those Nigerian spammers, whose letter this one is modeled on.

For the rest of this column, please go (at no charge) to This Can't Be Happening! .