scam variation

Subject: scam variation
From: s&r
Date: 05 Oct 10 - 11:14 AM

This is a new scam to me but may be familiar to others. I have deleted the 'sender's' name as she is a friend. Needless to say it is not from her.

"How are you ? I just flew to Spain because one of my dear friends had an accident here.She is unconscious now and waiting for surgery. I did not bring much cash here with me and my money orders and check book I took would take over 1 week to clear because of international bank policies, so I want to ask if you can lend me some money.
In fact She had a little problem with her insurance policy since she stopped working before this incident, so before it is ratified, a deposit has to be made also because it's a private hospital and I can't take her to another hospital in this condition since she is unconscious.
I'm sorry to bother you now since it is also so sudden I will pay you back when things have been done.
    I need 1,200.00 Euro ( one thousand two hundred Euro ) and I would appreciate if you can help me with that amount. International bank transfer takes too long, so for urgent and quick transfer in minutes please send the money via Western Union Service with the details below:
First name:
Last name :
Address : C Jacometrezo 102
City: Madrid
Postcode: 28013
Country: Spain"

Stu

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: GUEST,Ebbie, housesitting
Date: 05 Oct 10 - 12:36 PM

What a cynical ploy. I have read of this more recent variation.

In real life, of course, one's friend would identify the "victim", the hospital, other friends s/he is thinking of calling upon among numerous other identifiers.

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: Slag
Date: 05 Oct 10 - 06:28 PM

Dear "Victim" or friend of "Victim"

Please contact the-consulate or your choice/country- as this is what they are there for and they will advise you of how to take care of the problem(s). Good thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Signed, Not a Victim

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Oct 10 - 07:10 PM

A friend of mine, currently in Portugal, "sent" me a similar message saying that she and her family had been mugged in London and the police were being completely unhelpful and even cruel and she needed money quickly.

So I replied that the US Embassy had emergency LOANS available and I'd send money if she could supply me her birthday and her mother's FIRST name.

Thus far I've heard nothing back.

Gee, I hope she and her family haven't been cast into Newgate or something....

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Oct 10 - 07:10 PM

"Give me a call. You know the number" ought to slow them down also.

SRS

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Oct 10 - 07:57 PM

If you reply, no matter what you say, they will note you as a 'confirmed link' and potential sucker so will spread you around and bombard you more.

Unless you are prepared to devote a lot of time to t e project, trying to bait them in anyway will only cause you grief.

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 01:53 AM

I received a similar email from a friendly-acquaintance a few years ago.

I thought it was very odd that she would ask me for money. Sometime later I received an apology from her new email address. Someone had accessed her address book in the previous address.

sandra

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: LadyJean
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 01:58 AM

All my friends know I don't have any money.

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: sapper82
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 01:59 AM

Is there anyone, or organisation, that records and traces such scam operators?
At the very least this is attempted fraud and exposure of the individuals behind them might stop some of the worst examples.

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: Gurney
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 03:09 PM

Sapper, as I wrote on another thread, Here in NZ there IS a government employee who looks into scams, how effectively is anyone's guess. She contacted me when I reported a bank-impersonating scam.

Subject: RE: scam variation
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 04:18 PM

I received one today. I checked with my bank and they verified that it was a scam. Very simple request, thus believable-
"Please review the latest changes affecting your account by logging in at -----"
One giveaway is that it was sent under the bank name, but the bank always uses an abbreviation (like HSBC, etc.).