Former Abbot of Nunraw Abbey, Dom Donald McGlynn, has been left to pick up the pieces after internet fraudsters hacked into his email account and set up a scam to con thousands of pounds from his online friends and contacts.
Describing himself as a "very vexed victim," the Benedictine monk and Guestmaster of Nunraw Guesthouse, near Garvald, told the News of his frustration over the apparent impotence of fraud investigators.
He said: "Sadly, advice is that the fraud s
quad cannot do anything unless they have actual tangible evidence of fraud.
"I can only hope that anyone contacted will immediately recognise this fraudulent use of a hitherto reliable facility."
The News received an email from someone pertaining to be Dom Donald (73) on an "important trip" to Canada.
RefundsIn the communication, the 'victim' claimed to have been robbed of all his belongings and return ticket.
It read: "I just want to plead with you if you can loan me $2800 so I can re-arrange myself and I promise to make refunds to you once I get back.
"Please help me have the money sent via Money Gram money transfer. Below is my information you would require in sending the money."
When we caught up with the real Donald McGlynn later that day, he confirmed our suspicions that the circular was, in fact, fraudulent.
FraudHe said: "It is a scam. Someone has stolen my email address and is asking for money all over the world."
According to Detective Inspector James Gilchrist, of the Musselburgh-based Lothian and Borders Police specialist fraud unit, internet fraudsters are using every trick in the book to remain one step ahead of the authorities.
He said: "These types of crime are extremely difficult to solve."
Full report in East Lothian News, May 2, 2008