Ineternet friend in foreign nation in danger, may be scam!?

This happens here and other places a lot. Today the US state dept has some new info on this subject. Before you send money or assist someone in need of help overseas contact your own dept of foreign affairs, (non american) and in the us go to www.state.gov or www.travel.state.gov

We know we all have compassion but a simple money transfer can wipe out your entire account.

International Financial Scams

The Consular Affairs Bureau receives daily calls about international scams involving Internet Dating, Inheritance, Work Permits, Overpayment, and Money-Laundering. Many scams are initiated through the Internet; victims range in age from 18 to 81 and come from all socio-economic backgrounds.

If you feel you have been a victim of an Internet scam, please consult our consular publications for help and send all direct reports of Internet fraud to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at: http://www.ic3.gov/ . If the scam originated through a particular website, notify the administrators of that website. If you are concerned about an American in distress overseas, but you are not sure if it is a legitimate case, call our office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444).

International Financial Scams Brochure - for information on Internet Dating, Inheritance, Work Permits, Overpayment, and Money-Laundering