The other day I received an email from an old friend of mine. He was mugged while on vacation in the UK — no more credit cards, cash, or bank card — and needed quick financial assistance. The problem is, this friend of mine died a year ago, and the message that was sent from his GMail account is a fairly standard scam. If you receive solicitations for money, the best course of action is simply to delete it. Here’s what my deceased friend allegedly wrote:

This had to come in a hurry and it has left me in a devastating state. I’m in some terrible situation and I’m really going to need your urgent help. Some days ago,unannounced,I came to visit a resort center in Cardiff, South Glamorgan England, UK..but I got mugged by some hoodlums and lost all my cash,credit cards, I’m financially stranded right now and my return flight leaves in few hours time but I need some money to clear some bills, I didn’t bring my cell phone along since I didn’t get to roam them before coming over. So all I can do now is pay cash and get out of here quickly.I do not want to make a scene of this which is why I did not call my house,this is embarrassing enough.I was wondering if you could loan me some cash, I’ll refund it to you as soon as I arrive home just need to clear my Hotel bills and get the next plane home, As soon as I get home I’ll refund it immediately. Write me so I can let you know how to send it.