Department of Public Safety Director Tom Atkinson alerts community members to a current e-mail scam spreading “rampantly” in the Dowagiac area.

Hackers tap into residents’ contacts lists and send mass e-mails to everyone in the directory requesting money.

The e-mail appears to come from your friend, however, is really from a stranger attempting to solicit money for unknowing victims. The e-mail reads similar to the following:

Hello,

I am currently traveling (usually indicating a location abroad) and am stranded because I misplaced my wallet. My money and all other valuables were stolen. I urgently need $700 U.S. dollars to sort out my hotel and get back home.

I appreciate whatever you can afford and will pay back as soon as I return to the states.

I have no option but to send you an e-mail since I have exceeded my spending limit in the hotel and I have no money to call you.

The fastest way for you to help me is by sending the money through Western Union or money gram with my info.