Nigerian Scam Targets Local Woman

The Nigerian scammers have gotten more sophisticated. A week ago, I received this message purportedly from a well-known woman in the community: “I’m sending you this e-mail in a hurry because I only have 30 minutes,  I traveled to United Kingdom to see my ill Cousin, I got a call to come over that her illness was getting worse, so I had no time to inform anyone of my trip. Unfortunately, I  was mugged in a Taxi and they made away with all my money and other valuable things. I’m facing a hard time here, I need to help her and also get back home.” The e-mail went on to say that the woman needed a loan of “2700 USD or whatever you can afford” and ended with a promise to repay as soon as she returned home. I smelled a rat right away. That was confirmed when I received this follow-up note from the woman in question: “My email directory was hacked into and there is a SCAM using my email contacts. If you received a message from me asking you to send money to help me while I am stuck in England, please delete it. I am fine and living in Hauser.” Be careful out there.

Question: When did you last receive a so-called Nigerian scam e-mail? Are some other online scam trying to bilk you of money?