Scam targets e-mail
Published 9:07 pm Monday, August 2, 2010
Department of Public Safety Director Tom Atkinson alerts community members to a current e-mail scam spreading “rampantly” in the Dowagiac area.
Hackers tap into residents’ contacts lists and send mass e-mails to everyone in the directory requesting money.
The e-mail appears to come from your friend, however, is really from a stranger attempting to solicit money for unknowing victims. The e-mail reads similar to the following:
Hello,
I am currently traveling (usually indicating a location abroad) and am stranded because I misplaced my wallet. My money and all other valuables were stolen. I urgently need $700 U.S. dollars to sort out my hotel and get back home.
I appreciate whatever you can afford and will pay back as soon as I return to the states.
I have no option but to send you an e-mail since I have exceeded my spending limit in the hotel and I have no money to call you.
The fastest way for you to help me is by sending the money through Western Union or money gram with my info.