Broken Envelopes Audiobook By Gary Covella cover art

Broken Envelopes

Inside the Fraudulent World of Mail Order Opportunity Scams

Virtual Voice Sample

Try for $0.00
Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Broken Envelopes

By: Gary Covella
Narrated by: Virtual Voice
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $4.99

Buy for $4.99

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel
Background images

This title uses virtual voice narration

Virtual voice is computer-generated narration for audiobooks.

About this listen

Step Beyond the Envelope and Unlock Extraordinary Wealth

Have you ever wondered how a small, unassuming piece of mail could spark fortunes beyond imagination? How everyday hopefuls turned unremarkable letters into lavish lifestyles, and how certain entrepreneurs rode the waves of public desire—sometimes skating dangerously close to the edge of legality? In these pages, you’ll dive headfirst into the history, drama, and backstage machinations of the most infamous and profitable mail-based schemes ever devised.

Discover the Daring Tactics Behind Massive Mail Order Gains

Far from the humdrum image of envelopes piling up on the kitchen counter, the stories you’ll encounter reveal how postcards, catalogs, and bulletins offered up miraculous opportunities—at least on the surface. From audacious “work-from-home” promises that lured tens of thousands, to glossy promotions that promised utopian lifestyles, these tales showcase human ingenuity for better or worse. Part marketing brilliance, part psychological manipulation, the most successful mail order campaigns exploited a timeless combination of aspiration and social proof. Through each wild twist, you’ll witness how cunning copywriters pushed emotional buttons, how multi-step funnels reeled in unsuspecting buyers, and how certain “insiders” walked away with fortunes rivaling the biggest corporate moguls.

Meet the Players Who Shaped (and Shook) an Industry

While some soared through skillful strategy, others took shortcuts that derailed lives and reputations. Here, you’ll follow the meteoric rise of key figures—those who saw mailers not just as paper but as golden tickets to unlimited profits. You’ll also see how regulators chased after them, sometimes too late to stop widespread hype and hysteria. This journey isn’t just about scandal; it’s about ambition, risk-taking, and the eternal tug-of-war between questionable tactics and genuine entrepreneurship.

Gain Insights for Your Own Entrepreneurial Path

While each tale brims with intrigue, they also carry valuable lessons for readers looking to carve out a piece of legitimate success. By studying both the triumphs and missteps of mail-order pioneers, you’ll gather ideas you can adapt ethically for your own endeavors. Imagine applying psychologically proven sales techniques and narrative hooks in a transparent way that fosters trust rather than exploitation. If you’re an ambitious soul hungry for proven persuasion methods, these chapters offer a wealth of inspiration—just remember to tread responsibly.

Witness the Allure and Perils of Quick Money

In a world where a single claim can convince thousands to send money sight unseen, it’s no surprise how swiftly large fortunes were amassed. Yet illusions so grand sometimes left consumers disillusioned and financially drained. By peeling back layers of hype and empty promises, you’ll see how illusions flourish whenever people crave simple paths to freedom. And in an era where social media and global connectivity spread offers faster than ever, the timeless lessons within these pages stand as vital tools to help you avoid pitfalls—and possibly seize genuine opportunities without succumbing to deceit.

So whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking a competitive edge, a curious reader fascinated by the extremes of human ingenuity, or a cautious skeptic wanting to shield yourself from dubious pitches, this in-depth look will captivate and educate you. Each chapter peels back another layer on the extraordinary power of mail order promotions—how they elevated ordinary individuals into overnight stars of direct marketing, and how they sometimes toppled under their own grandiose claims. Step inside, and discover just how far creativity, ambition, and a willingness to push ethical boundaries can take someone when the entire world is just an envelope away.

Business Development & Entrepreneurship Marketing Marketing & Sales Small Business

What listeners say about Broken Envelopes

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.