How does this scam work?

[Torsten]

Hi, I've just received the following email and I wonder who exactly the scam works. I mean, what somebody calls the number in this email and what about the name and address? Let's suppose somebody really sends some money into that Western Union account. How does the person behind the scam collect it? Don't they have to provide some ID?

rom Ron Husted <irma1ron@gmail.com>
to
date Wed, May 26, 2010 at 1:39 PM
subject Can you please do this assistance for me
mailed-by gmail.com
signed-by gmail.com


Hello,
Hope you get this on time, I'm really sorry that I didn't inform you about my trip to UK for a Conference. I'm presently in Scotland and am having some difficulties here because i misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were kept. presently i have limited access to internet, I will like you to assist me with a loan of 1200pounds or any amount you could afford to sort-out my hotel bills and to get myself back home. I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively, I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist me with and I'll refund the money to you as soon as i return home. Please let me know if you could be of any help. I don't have a phone where i can be reached but you can reach me on: +447763806279  and let them know you want to speak with me.

You can help me transfer the money directly into my western union account using my name and the address below. I will appreciate your kindness and fast response. After the transfer,
just email me the money transfer control number [MTCN].

Name : irma husted
Address: 160 Nethergate, Dundee, Angus, DD1 4DU, Scotland, UK.

I will greatly appreciate your positve response. Thanks for your understanding.

keep in touch ...
irma husted

TOEIC listening, talks: A radio traffic update reports problems including an accident as well as road works

[Expatcat]

It is a common phishing scam. The scammer gains control of an e-mail account and then sends an email like that to all the contacts. Most likely the phone number is just a bogus one, like the address given, which when googled, shows a church. All the scammer really needs to get the money is the MTCN and a fake ID with that name on it.