Greetings From Pam ******

I received this email, allegedly from a friend, about 10 mins ago.  As I’d been speaking to her just an hour ago, and as the title looked odd, I realised immediately that it was probably a scam.

I’ve answered, and I’m waiting to see if I get a reply – presumably the scammer will tell me they are stuck at the airport, lost their passport, money stolen etc.

Meanwhile I’ve rung my friend and told her to change her password and email her contacts to warn them that it is a scam.

(My friend uses hotmail.  It’s been my experience that most scammers hack into hotmail or yahoo email accounts.  So make doubly sure to use a strong password if you use either of these email providers.)
 
Hello,
 
Where are you presently?. I need your help for something very urgent so please get back to me via email as soon as you get this message.
Thanks
Pam x

As I hoped, the scammer has replied.  Interestingly, they have set up a new email address which is similar to, but not the same as, my friends in order to receive the replies.  (My friend has updated her password)

This is the reply.  (I have, of course, replied to ask how much the scammer needs.)

Good  to hear from you, I’m Currently in Turkey (Istanbul)due to some urgent matters to help my sister she was diagnosed with (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) a type of Blood Cancer and had been undergoing treatment lately. 
 
The hospital management is demanding for a deposit before they can carry out the surgery operation to save her life and I traveled down here with little money because I never expected things to be the way it is right now. Can you assist me with a loan ? I’ll surely pay back as soon as I get back home. Please, let me know if you can be of help. I’ll be happy to hear from you soon regarding my request and please remember to keep this private.

The scammer has told me  how much they want.  I’ve replied that I can lend part of that and asked where I should send the money.

So glad you are willing to help, all I need is a short term loan of about 6,850 euro to settle the bills at the hospital . But do help me  with what you can raise if not everything because this is really urgent and important in saving a life. Kindly get back to me so that I can advise you on the payment information.