Back in 2002, people all over the net started getting email from a “time traveller” looking for a dimensional warp generator. Most people assumed it was a joke, and some decided to play along by setting up fake stores or even arranging a drop-off. The “time travel spammer” was eventually identified as spammer Robert Todino, who, unfortunately, was quite serious in his belief that time travelers were interfering with his life. The fake store, the mock DWG made from old computer parts, the offers to supply his equipment, all unwittingly fueled his belief.
This all came out in mid-2003, and aside from immediate fallout and a brief spate of (probably copycat) AIM appearances late last year, the field seems to have been quiet.
Well, guess what showed up in the spam traps over the weekend!
Hello <address removed>,
I’m looking for a good trans_universal transportation unit. Do you have the Mccoy g series self generating watch or similar newer models available? I also need other items you may or may not have available. Please send a (separate) email to me at: <address removed> if available and let me know your terms on doing business.
Thank you
Paul
They’re baaack!
Other sightings: here [archive.org], here [archive.org], and here. Edit: Somehow it seems appropriate that these sightings are now only accessible via the Wayback Machine. (July 28, 2006)
Hey, I just got one! Found this site by “Googl’ing” the “Mccoy self generating g series.” Kinda fun, conceptually.
Just got one myself… thought I was going crazy! At least you wrote on it so I wouldn’t write back politely explaining myself to an idiot, or rather, making myself look like one.
I have been toying with him these past couple of months. He actually sent me his bank statements online to show me that he was serious about buying equipment (he has a lot of cash!). I think he is slipping because he crossed out the name on the account statement, but he forgot that it was also printed on another part of the form and there it is in plain text “Robert J. Todino”.
He also sent me recorded phone conversations with previous “vendors” (definitely people trying to rob him blind). I can’t believe he records all his phone conversations.. and then posts them on the net for all to hear.
anyway, email me for more info.
[…] my time, both as an email user and an email admin. My favorite is still the request to purchase a Dimensional Warp Generator. But this one, which showed up in the spamtraps a few days ago, has got to be pretty […]