The March 1984 issue of Psychology Today published the winner of an interesting contest called “Scamarama.” Readers were to send in the most creative scams. This was the winner:

Wish you were born rich? Now you can be! If you are one of the growing millions who are convinced of the reality of reincarnation, here’s a once-in-a-lifetime offer!

First, leave us ten thousand dollars or more in your will. After you pass away, our professional medium will contact your spirit in the other world. Then you tell us when you’re coming back and under what name. Upon your return, we regress you, at age twenty-one through hypnosis to this lifetime and ask you for your seven-digit account number.

Once you give us the number, we give you a check—on the spot—for your original investment plus interest! The longer you’re gone, the more you will receive! You may come back to find yourself a billionaire! Show your future self how much you care—leave a generous ‘welcome back’ present. We’ll take care of the rest.

Today in the Word, May, 1996, p. 34