Rep. Allen Powell wants it to be known that he is NOT in London and hasn’t lost his wallet and friends should not send money to help him get home. Powell was calmly dining at the 191 Club in Atlanta at noon Monday when he started receiving calls from friends, state officials and others checking the authenticity of an email that supposedly had come from Powell during the morning. It was clear that somehow Powell’s extensive email list from his personal account had been highjacked and a scam of major proportions was taking place. One of the first to call Powell was Doug Hooper of the Department of Revenue. The email that Hooper (and from others who followed with calls) had received appeared to be an urgent message from Powell advising that he was in London to make a speech “about aids, racism and the lack of education.” The message continued that “Unfortunately I have lost my wallet, and I need you to go to Western Union and send me 2000 pounds British.” Recipients of the message “who might be able to help me in this situation” were told to reply and instructions would be sent on exactly how to send money by Western Union.” Powell himself is unable to use his email service when it became clear during the night that someone was trying to get access without proper authorization. He does want everyone to know that he is not in London, has not lost his wallet, and hasn’t asked for financial help.
