Kingussie couple are safe at home - not held up by gunmen in Ukraine!
Fears for Kingussie community councillor Mairi Brown and her husband Rod’s safety in the Ukraine are "somewhat misplaced", the Strathy has been assured.
Safe at home in the capital of Badenoch earlier today (Wednesday), the community stalwart confirmed that their "Bad Moment" call for money was nothing more than just another computer scam.
Police recently confirmed that the current hacking of private email accounts was based in the United States and that an international investigation was in operation.
Many on the Browns’ email list woke today to read that: "My family and I had a trip visiting Kharkov Ukraine, everything was going on fine until last night when we got attacked by some unknown gunmen.
"All our money, phones and credit cards was stolen away including some valuable items. It was a terrible experience but the good thing is that they didn’t hurt anyone or made away with our passports.
"We have reported the incident to the local authorities and the consulate but their response was too casual, we were ask to come back in two weeks time for investigations to be made proper,
"But the truth is we can’t wait till then as we have just got our return flight booked and is leaving in few hours from now but presently having problems sorting out our bills here and also getting a cab down to the airport.
"Right now we’re financially strapped due to the unexpected robbery attack.
"Wondering if you can help us with a quick loan to sort out our bills and get back home. All we need is (2,850 £) I promise to refund you in full as soon as I return home hopefully tomorrow or next. write back now to let me know what you can do."
At home in Kingussie’s East Terrace Mrs Brown said: "Yes, it’s just another con and we’ve had a morning with BT and the police to sort it out.
"But at least they all seem to be getting on top of these things now and it shouldn’t been too big a problem. We have to change our password, but that should sort it.
"We’d be grateful if the Strathy could tell everyone we’re OK and warn everone to be on their guard against more of these scams."