The email arrives from a sender bearing the name of a local friend or acquantance who promises a celebration — and you are invited to "an evening of elegance and joy"... "where the ambience whispers sophistication, the food is divine, and each sip of your drink adds a sparkle to your night."

Some come with an email subject line: "Here's to good vibes and memories that last".

One version of the invitation even adds a hearty, "Lucky You!"

Sounds like fun. Who would not want to take a closer look, perhaps respond in the affirmative?

Well, don't. 

Labeled as a paperless post or paperless flyer, the e-vite is a harmful scam, one that plants a virus into your computer if you engage by downloading it to your hard drive and open subsequent commands to reach the heart of the invitation; rather, the heart of the hack.

This scam is more nefarious than many now circulating because the sender is most identified as someone familiar to the area. And in the Midcoast, there are fewer than six degrees of separation — maybe two or three degrees — with families, friends and coworkers often in the same close orbit.

The effects are serious. Hackers infiltrate systems, grab passwords, and gain access to financial accounts.

One Midcoast resident's Amazon account was hacked, and she suddenly received a $54 trash can.

Another woman was likewise a target for Amazon orders, "random things."

A Camden man's financial data was exposed. 

What did they do? Repair and retrench, rapidly. The owner of the new trash can said she hired a professional computer consultant to take a deep dive across her devices, changed passwords, installed two-step verification processes, and further insulated financial accounts. Even Amazon contacted her about unusual purchases.

Computer guru Hugo Heriz-Smith has heard enough from clients about this particular scam that he distributed a warning Jan. 21.

"Since the end of October, several clients in the U.S. have reached out to me after friends contacted them to ask if they really sent out an invitation to a party," wrote Heriz-Smith. "In all of these cases, they had received an email from a friend or acquaintance with the following text:

"D*** A***** is hosting an incredible celebration, one that’s filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful connections. Your presence will be the highlight of the evening, making it even more special as we come together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

"This isn’t just another party; it’s a special chance to connect deeply, celebrate the beauty of life, and make memories that will stay with us for years to come. For the best view, we recommend opening on your computer or PC."

Heriz-Smith strongly advises to delete the email.

"Clicking on one of many links in the email will take you to a web page which will either download a malicious (but Windows only) file that would invite the scammers to view your screen," he said. "If you are on your phone, you be asked for your email login and password — obviously something you don't want to do."

And, he added:

"In addition to my usual warning that any alarming correspondence you receive via text, email, phone call, or even calendar (!) is almost certainly a scam, I now need to add to the list. If you get an email from someone you know remotely and it seems overly friendly, or just plain over-the-top, tread with caution. These scammers are preying on your desire to be included, as well as your curiosity — I mean, who do you know who would send out such a strange invitation?"

For the woman with the trash can, she suddenly had a list of RSVPs arriving in her inbox excited that she was "throwing a party." Her good friends, though, were more savvy. They sensed that the invite sounded too fancy for her.

Hers looked like a champagne event, but she said, "I am at a stage in life where a picnic is a fancy event."

Hugo Heriz-Smith, who helps clients with anything regarding Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AppleTV, printer, network, or any related software, can be reached at hugo@heriz-smith.com; or text/call him at (207) 691-7788.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657