A resident asked me to post a reminder about a recent scam attempt. If you receive an email from a friend asking if you shop at Amazon, lend some money–and saying they are sick (plus you can imagine other disorienting requests)–this type of email should alert you with virtual red flashing lights that it’s likely a scam. If there’s a link, don’t click on it because it could introduce malware in to your computer.
The best thing to do if you can, is to call the individual and ask them about the email. Then they can get appropriate tech help to address the issue.
It’s sad, but there are some nasty players out there with ingenious scams who may say that they are the IRS, your bank, the police, etc.–then escalate threats. Don’t fall for this. Ask for trusted help. So in general, visit only trusted sites on the web.