Alectown residents Larry and Jennifer Strum are dealing with the major inconvenience of having their AOL account compromised.

The account sent out emails to all their contacts stating the couple were in the Philippines on an impromptu trip.

The email claimed they had misplaced their wallets and cell phones on a sightseeing trip.

Hotel management had their luggage held hostage and would not release their belongings until payment was made. 

The email then asked for a short term loan of $1,950 which would be paid back immediatley on the couples return to Australia.

Anybody who knows Larry and Jennifer personally would have realised that the email was suspicious.

The Sturms have been inundated with phone calls and emails from concerned contacts.

If you experience a similar problem, change your passwords immediately and notify your internet service provider.