Spanish Swindle letters

1923, 1950, 1952

A Spanish Swindle, also called a Spanish prisoner swindle, was a confidence scheme which involved sending letters to prospective marks announcing that a wealthy man was being held in a Spanish prison under false pretenses and needed to raise money to secure his release. The mark is instructed to put up money toward this ransom, with the promise of a large reward once the prisoner is released. Collection includes swindle letters mailed to prospective victims from Mexico (1950, 1952) and Spain (1923). Also includes correspondence and clippings concerning the swindle