Here’s an interesting new scam I had never heard of before.

The scammer breaks into a hotmail, gmail or other free-email account and then sends the following email out to everybody in their contact list:

• Hi
  I am in a hurry writing this mail. I had a trip to Nigeria visiting the tinapa opening ceremony. Unfortunately for me all my money got stolen at the hotel where i lodged from the attack of some armed robbers and since then i have been without any money i am even owing the hotel here,So i have only access to emails,my mobile phone  can’t work here so i didnt bring it along.Please can you lend me 1000 pounds so i can return back and settle the hotel bills i would return it back to you as soon as i get home, I am so confused right now.You can have it sent through western union.I have already spoken to the hotel manager, please let me hear from you so i can collect his full name and address where you can send the money tomorrow please or if possible today. I am waiting for your reply.Thank you.
  (Person’s name)

It’s an interesting one in that it may actually work (provided the person is usually illiterate anyway). A whole new clever little twist on the traditional 419 scam. I shall watch this one with interest.