This is a fairly common scam, but some may still not be familiar with it so its worth mentioning.
You may receive a desperate email from a friend, someone you know, who claims they’ve been mugged or are in some other similar situation and need money from you. Below is an example.
You should use caution with such appeals and not reply to them directly. Instead, try contacting the person by phone or get in touch with their friends and family if you indeed feel the request is legitimate.
* * *
From: Your Friend <yourfriend@website.com>
Subject: SAD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: August 1, 2013 3:46:29 PM CDT
To: undisclosed recipients: ;
Reply-To: Your Friend <yourfriend@website.com>
Am so sorry that i didn’t inform you about my trip,I’m writing this with tears in my eyes,I came down here to Manilla Philippine for a short vacation unfortunately i was mugged at the park of the hotel where i stayed all cash,credit card and cell were stolen off me but luckily for me i still have my passports with me.
I ‘ve been to the embassy and the Police here but they’re not helping issues at all and my flight leaves in less than hours from now but having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won’t let us leave until i settle the bills,I’m freaked out at the moment.
Thanks.
Your Friend’s Full Name
Your Friend’s Address
Your Friend’s Phone Number