People are currently receiving e-mail messages from different e-mail addresses in which the senders of the e-mails are asking to borrow money from them. The senders of the email messages state that they have been mugged and their cash, credit card, and cellphone have been stolen or lost while traveling overseas. So, due to this unfortunate incident, want you to send money to them via the Western Union. They claim that you will be refunded as soon as they have returned home.
This is obviously a scam, which is now called the "Please Send Money" scam. Ask yourself, who did these persons get your e-mail address from and told them you have money to lend. If you are stranded in a foreign country, the local authorities can help you return home.
Please DO NOT be taken for a fool by sending the money you have worked so hard for, to these criminals, who will stay your money and disappear.
Sample of an Email Message from the Scammers
From: Conrad Mc Intosh [mailto: conradmcintosh@yahoo.com]
Subject: EMERGENCY(URGENT ASSISTANCE)..........
Conrad McIntosh
Hi,
Just writing to let you know my trip to London, United Kingdom has been a mess. I came down to United Kingdom on an International Convention and Exhibition at world trade center when i got mugged by some unknown gunmen and lost all my cash,credit card and cellphones It has been a scary experience, I was hit at the back of my neck with a club.
Anyway...... I'm still alive and that's whats important. I'm financially strapped right now and need your help. I need you to loan me some $$, I'll refund it to you as soon as i arrive home.Write back to me so i can tell you how to get it to me.......
Thanks,
Conrad
I replied to the e-mail message by asking how much money they would like to borrow (please DO NOT do this).
Subject: RE: EMERGENCY(URGENT ASSISTANCE)
Conrad Mc Intosh
Hi,
Sorry to hear that, so sad. How much money would you like and please provide the wiring information.
Best Regards,
Here is the scammer's reply:
From: Conrad Mc Intosh [conradmcnitosh@yahoo.com]
Subject: Re: EMERGENCY(URGENT ASSISTANCE)..........Conrad Mc Intosh
Thanks for your quick response,at the moment am mentally unbalance as I can't think straight,I was very happy when you responded,as we speak I need ($1,600) to add up and sort my bills,don't worry I will def refund it as soon as we get home,the fastest and safest means you can get money to me is via western union..as soon as the transfer is done I will appreciate you get back to me with the money transfer control number MTCN# so i can use that in picking up the money with my passport ID,don't worry I will def refund it as soon as i get home.
This is all you need in sending the money via western union
Name: Conrad Intosh
Location: 25 Broadway, Westminister, London, SW1H 0BD,United Kingdom
Amount: ($1,600)
Hope to read from you soon!
Kind Regards.
Conrad
Never send money to people you do not know, who ask you to do so via an expected email message, especially if you asked to send money via the Western Union or other money transfer services. Money sent by those transfer services cannot be recovered once the money is collected by the recipients.