A citizen of Mammoth Lakes recently received an email with a tale of woe and a request for a $2700 loan. Mammoth Police say it’s the latest scam to come across their desks, and they urge citizens to watch out.
The email says it comes from a person in the United Kingdom who is supposedly there to help an ill cousin. The email goes on to say the cousin was diagnosed with the need for surgery to “save her life.” The person says the cousin “needs family supports to keep her alive.”
Then comes the money pitch. The email says the hospital management has demanded a deposit of $2700 before they can carry out the surgery to “save her life.” The emailer says, “I need a loan from you and I’ll surely pay back as soon as I get back home.”
The Mammoth resident handed this email over to police and did not send any money. Police say, “Be cautious when you receive emails, mail or telephone calls regarding these types of scams.” Officers say watch for spelling and grammar errors and check the internet for the latest scams. If you are unsure about these kinds of communication, contact your local police department.
This sounds like the scam calls reported at http://ww.callercenter.com. Based on the complaint, the scammer poses as a police officer or anybody with authority and demands money from the victim after claiming that a relative is in desperate need. If money is not wired immediately, the relative will be in… Read more »
“There’s a sucker born every minute”
The send out 3 million emails and they’ll be someone that takes the bait.
I get three or four of these emails a week.
Good grief, the first time I got an email like this was 14 years ago and didn’t fall for it. I just hit “delete” and never heard from them again. Seriously? Wasting the already over burden resources of Mammoth PD with an email?
Eastern Sierra Local – hey I have 10 million in gold bullion i’d like to take the bank. My problem is I don’t have a wheelbarrow. If you send me $100 bucks I can purchase a wheelbarrow and I’ll happily split the 10 million with you. Serriously though, I understand… Read more »
Having someone try to scam me out of some $$$ a couple years with phoney e-mails,maybe it’s not politically correct to say this,but if some stranger sends you an e-mail asking for money….or tells you you’ll be a millionaire soon IF you send him $ 3,000 to “clear the check… Read more »
wow,are people realy still falling for ths stuff?