The Spanish Prisoner

The Spanish Prisoner is a classic scam where someone convinces you they need money to free a wealthy prisoner, often claiming urgency or secrecy. In reality, there is no prisoner or debt; the scam relies on creating trust and exploiting hopes or fears. Victims are led to pay money upfront with the promise of receiving larger rewards or important information, but ultimately, the scammer disappears with the funds. It exemplifies a so-called "confidence trick," emphasizing the importance of verifying claims and being cautious with unsolicited financial requests.