Snidelywhiplash  Received this message this morning from a friend who uses Hotmail for his mail service, been awhile but it would appear that someone is STILL trapped in a hotel in Lagos. I was actually pretty impressed with the writing of the message, generic enough to be sent to anyone but with just a soupcon of desperation.

His account has been  hacked, I suggested Gmail instead.
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Hello, Sorry I didn't inform you about my traveling to West Africa for a Seminar, am presently in Lagos Nigeria. I am stranded here because i misplaced my wallet and other valuable things, personal items such as cash, credit cards and identification documents on my way to the hotel i lodged.  I will like you to assist me urgently with the sum of 2500 pounds to sort-out my hotel bills and get myself back home. I will appreciate whatever you can afford; I’ll pay you back as soon as I return. I had no option than to send you an e-mail since I have exceeded my spending limit in the hotel and I have no money to call you. It will cost me much to make/receive phone calls and I don't have such money right now. I can only contact you through my e-mail for now. It's impossible for me to access my bank account from here, which is why I need your help. The safest and fastest way for you to help me out is by sending the money through the Western Union .  So I will really appreciate whatever you can afford and I promise to pay you back as soon as I return, kindly let me know if you can be of help? So that I can send you the Details which you will use when sending the money to me through Western Union ,  Thanks.