Former Burnley MP Attacked by ‘Email Mugging’ Scam

Burnleyexpress.net reported on 17th September, 2013 stating that a hacker has dispatched bogus emails purporting to be from former Burnley (Lancashire, England) Minister of Parliament, Peter Pike alleging that he was assaulted in Paris.

The ex-MP, a well-known person in the region for his efforts for homeless charity, Emmaus, said that he was conscious of the bogus email.

The Burnley Express and many other people of Mr. Pike's contact list got an email entitled "Urgent Help" requesting for a loan amount of 1,350 Pounds.

The email said that Pike was writing it with tears in his eyes. It went on to say that he had come to Paris with his family for a trip but unfortunately he was mugged at hotel park and all his cash, including credit cards and mobile were embezzled by the miscreants.

The email also read "Write to me so that I can let you know how to remit and I promise to refund it back once I get home. At the moment I am freaked out."

The email was signed with the politician's name and Emmaus Burnley, the homeless charity supported by him.

Lancashiretelegraph.co.uk published news on 18th September quoting Pike as saying "I am absolutely fine and so is my family. I have had literally dozens of people calling me on my mobile, house phone and emailing me. It is quite amazing that so many people have been concerned and checking on me and offering to send money. It is annoying and nuisance as I have had the same thing happen to many people whom I know."

Lancashiretelegraph.co.uk published a report on 18th September, 2013 quoting a comment on the unfortunate incident by a Lancashire Police Spokesman as "We are looking into the matter."

Finally, Peter pike is not the sole public figure whose email account has been hacked by cybercriminals. In February 2013, the email account of Bette Lasky, the State Senator from Nashua (New Hampshire, USA), was also hacked by cybercriminals. Those who were on contact list of Lasky received an email purportedly from Lasky claiming that she and her family were mugged while on vacation to Aberdeen (Scotland) and asking for a financial help of 980 GBP to settle hotel bills.

» SPAMfighter News - 9/30/2013