Email Scam

The following is one of those email scams I got the other day. This from a supposed Mr. William Leigh.

Hi, Hope you got my message on time? I could barely think straight at this point.
I had a trip here in United Kingdom on a mission. I am presently in Sheffield
facing some difficulties, I misplaced my bag which contains money including
passport on my way. I am in a cyber cafe at the moment. After i spoke with the
Cafe attendant on night duty, she agreed to allow me stay in the cafe but i do
not know what to do tomorrow. I feel so ashamed because i am so stranded and
idle. I will like you to help me with a loan of 1500 Pounds to book for a room in
an hotel and also return back home. I will refund the money to you as soon as I
get back, I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the
matter effectively.

Thanks

Bill

My real problem is just how poorly done this is. There is no attempt to personalize the direct mailer, not even my name at the top. Then the premise is just too ambiguous and bizarre. He makes no explanation to how he got my contact information or why in his moment of desperation he reaches out to me and not a family member or friend. The claim that the embassy isn't helping - first off what embassy? where the hell am I supposed to assume this guy is from? Obviously not America. The American embassy would find some way to accomodate him. Assisting tourist in these situations is in large part the main function of our embassies. Then the language is just off and not in a way that could be chalked up to frantic typing error. In the 7th line "I will like you to help me" is just in the wrong tense. The mistake a foreigner would make.

The whole thing is just insulting; completely amatuer. How gullible do this guy think we all are. I have nothing against conmen, but this is just poor workmanship.