The Michigan City Police began receiving information through citizens of Michigan
City of the latest scam attempt. Although this one has been around awhile it still
comes up in different variations all of which appear to be an emergency.
This scam is where someone’s email account has been “hacked” and the hacker
then has access to your “contact list”. With this information the hacker then sends
emails out to your friends and personalizes each one using your name. The scam
email goes something like this…
“Mike,
I hope you don’t think I’m crazy but I am in trouble and I hope you can help me. I really did not tell
anyone I was going on vacation but I got a great deal on a trip to Manila, Philippines. Once I arrived
and on my way to the hotel I lost my wallet which contained “everything” including my money and
credit cards! I am really in trouble and can’t prove to the hotel who I am. They are letting me use a
computer to send an email. Is there a way you could wire me some money right away just so I can get
my hotel room and then get to a U.S. consultant to try and straighten this out? I am really in a bad
spot and just need a few hundred bucks and desperate to get some help. If you can just respond to
this email, send the money in my name, and let me know the Western Union password and I can pick
up the money here. Thanks again for helping and I will pay you back as soon as I get back to Michigan
City.
Chris”
Of course, they are hoping that you recognize your friend and just want to help and
send money right away.
Unfortunately, this and other scams like it are attempts at getting money. Once you
give a Western Union or Money Gram number to anyone the money can be picked
up anywhere in the world.
With SPRING BREAK upon us, let’s not forget the “Grandparents Scam” of receiving
a call asking for money to get a grandchild out of trouble during a Spring Break trip.
As always if you feel that you have been scammed or someone is attempting to cheat you
please contact Sgt. Chris Yagelski 873-1461 ext. #1020 or email
ASKACOP@Emichigancity.com