Common ways used in chain letters include stories that make the recipient feel sorry for the person , get-rich-quick pyramid schemes , and the use of superstition to threaten the recipient with bad luck , physical violence or death if he or she `` breaks the chain '' and does not follow the instructions given in the letter . Common methods used in chain letters include emotionally manipulative stories , get-rich-quick pyramid schemes , and the exploitation of superstition to threaten the recipient with bad luck or even physical violence or death if he or she `` breaks the chain '' and refuses to adhere to the conditions set out in the letter .