Lay My Hat

We received this rather odd email today (direct, not through BC or the likes) and I'm just a bit suspicious. We've had 3 lots of people with the surname 'Martin' stay this summer: 2 that don't match their full name and the third was an off-the-streeter who stayed last week and just doesn't quite fit the profile (they were young friends for a start, not a couple with older person's names). Anyone else come across this? The use of the familiar 'tu' rather than the formal 'vous' makes me suspicious, too:

Email title: Probleme dificulte

Content: Bonjour ,

Puis-je t'expliquer un petit soucis ?

Si oui repond moi rapidement

Merci d'avance

Cordialement
(followed by full name and address which partially checks out to a location near Lyon... I say partially because I could only find a business address in the same town for the husband)

Very suspicious - I wouldn't touch it

"Hello, Can I explain a little trouble? If yes answer me quickly."

To me it seems they are looking to find a 'soft touch' of whom they can take advantage. They only want to correspond with a kind person who will take their tale of woe on board. They are not saying what it is at this stage, but are just prompting for an answer.

It is a typical conman's line of trickery, but I fear that I am a cynic and it could be a genuine cry for help.

Thanks - you confirmed what I thought. I had laready responded, but with a 'Could you tell me when you stayed as we don't have a contract for anyone under your name' and surprise, surpise, there was no answer so, I think you're right Andrew... they were looking to find a 'soft touch'.