Signs that you are you being Romance scammed online.
90Join the SCSSA Organization!
We must commence to the SCSSA Organization (Schemers, Con Artists, Scammers Stoppers Association) I just made that up! LOL
On a serious note, it is continuing more and more. Despite all the stories, warnings and all the knowledge, we have, many are still being taken in by scams. It really, bothers me that these people feel they can and are continuing to try to take advantage of others kindness. Even, looking for some people's weaknesses and vulnerability for longing to be in a relationship with someone, to have that human connection that someone cares and is listening to them.
Another factor, at times, that a person can be a taken advantage of is due to their own greed. About 3 years ago, a distance family member, was taken in by a scam. She received one of the famous emails about I'll send you a check for thousands if you send me one for hundreds, well, she did and while trying to cash the check it bounced. She went to court over the issue. Far as I know, she didn't get into as much trouble as she could have, but still it landed her some court time as they realized she was conned too.
The Romance scams, these seem to be the easiest, but takes more time for the con artist. Not that much, but they will take a few weeks or so, maybe a couple months on you, to try and get over on you. The con-artist post fake profiles on many dating sites, along with: blackplanet, yahoo, facebook and myspace (there probably are a lot of other sites too, like MSN, I'm just not personally familiar with them).
Many speak of the African or it is often referred to as the Nigerian scam or Lagos, Nigeria Scam. There are also other countries involved, I have heard of Russia as well, and also believe the Ukraine (I received a message the other day from an African Male, that "was in" Ukraine). To know their exact location, we may not know for sure, but know that they are scamming! As I mentioned in other hubs, I have been on the sites, just to see what goes on there. Recently, blackplanet (bp), has been high in the "Nigerian" crime wave. About 85% of the time that I am online, I am either receiving an IM (Instant Message) or have received a "note," but technically, an email from someone that wants "to know me" and "to be in a serious relationship" they thought I could be that one for them!" HMMM, that is when the suspension starts.
Many start off acting very friendly, they will say hey what is your yahoo ID, and asked to be added there so that they can continue conversing with you. If you stay on the current site or even after you decide to go to the other site, that is when they will constantly want to ask you questions about yourself. They are constantly, wanting to know things about you, you're family do you live alone, what is your status single or married. Then they will flirt and tell you how beautiful you are etc. Many will explain what they are "looking for in a long-term relationship with someone that wants to be serious." If viewing their personal message page, or page titled "all about me," that is what you will usually find there as many of the scammers are not original, also, you will see familiar sayings, phrases and wording that they put together that does not seem to be a proper English phrases/wording or it is not used in the proper context.
One, from BlackPlanet, has posted this personal message, that I thought you would like to see, of what things they might add on there to try and get you interested: (notice the major misspellings and some improper word choices or tenses)
"HI EVERYBODY,I LOVE THIS PLANET.NON LIKE IT.THE BEST PLACE OF INHABITATION IN THE WIDE WORLD.I GREET YOU ALL.AMEN.
YES! I AM JEFF FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM,I AM HERE TO SHARE THOUGHTS AND GET INVOLVE IN MAKIN THINGS HAPPEN IN OUR CHANGING WORLD.I ALWAY SAY"BBELIEVE IN GOD N BELIEVE IN HIS ABILITIES DEPOSIT IN UR HUMAN SPIRIT 4 ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM DAT BELIEVETH".
I WANNA BE FREE N LIVE WITHOUT WARNING,I NEED A REAL DATE.SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP THAT WILL LEAD TO MARRIAGE.I AM NOT KIDDIN.
WHO WANT TO B MY FRIEND? U ARE WELLCOME TO MY WORLD.I HAVE LOT TO TELL U ABOUT WOT I GOT IN THE INSIDE.
U NEED SOME ONE TO SHARE D BURDEN WIT?I AM AT UR SERVICE....
ROME THEY SAY WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY.LOVE WISDOM? COME UNTO ME N LEARN THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,THOSE WHO HEARED MY VOICE YEARS AGO, ARE NOW THE WISER 4 IT ...................."
On his page, this one has pictures, that are model photos obviously, of a white male, with blonde hair and blue eyes. To try and entice or romance you, he also, would try to send gifts/notes to you as well. This person, since I was doing research, I added to yahoo, just to see what would happen, after being added on yahoo, he was stating the whole thing of being home (Africa) with an ill relative, that he is now residing in the UK, but there because someone was ill. Also, not only, did he even post a real picture,(he was African) well if the actual photo was not of him, it was of someone he knew or another stolen photo. He even changed the id name too and was trying to chat with me by using the words and terms baby, sweetie, sweetheart, as if there was an actual relationship not even caring that he used/had fake photos of a white male on the BlackPlanet page, but revealing himself on the yahoo site (he never made mention of it).
There was another person, the first one I heard from was on Myspace. This guy, was from Lagos, Nigeria, he admitted that. He claimed to have been of mix heritage and had lived in England as well. This one was nice and friendly. He had 3 pictures on his page. Two of the pictures was of the same guy, but one was different. The different picture was either of the real person or it was again, someone he knew or had "stolen" this person's picture. The odd picture was of a guy with medium brown complexion and tattoos on his arms, muscular built, low hair cut, and shades, looked to be an attractive guy in his 20's to 30's, an Idris Elba type. While the pictures of the other guy was a male, that was black,he had braids in one picture with a jersey on and NO TATTOOS, lighter in complexion, maybe more of a Terrence Howard color, with features similar to Shemar Moore, the other pic, had him with his hair "loose" over his head, his physique was not really muscular, but more solid of a guy. After chatting a few times, he emailed me this message below:
"Never did I imagine that I would ever meet you, especially not in the
form of a friend. I never imagine that i will ever fall for you
after what i have been through with a woman...But God gave me a heart
to move on and i met you...
God has got his own reasons for us
to meet and come this far. But I hope our love will flourish beyond
what it is right now. Distance maybe just a part of the reason why
sometimes we think we can't handle this whole relationship, but I am
sure our love for each other is way far stronger then any oceans can
come across.
I am writing you this letter to tell you that my
love for you is so real that I can't find any words to describe my
feelings for you. At the same time I would like to thank you for all
your patience while our relationship had to go through high waves and
hard rocks. My love for you has grown so strong that I can never
imagine a life without you now.
I will always be yours no matter
what the world turns out to be. My heart will always be yearning for your
love and care forever. I love you always.Catch up with me and never
imagine that my attitude towards you hates you...i am missing you too
here"
REALLY?! Missing me? We have never met and never spoken by phone only a few harmless chats of how are you? What do you do for a living and how are things where you are at? Obviously, he also was raising a child, but was barely making any money. This guy was a genuine scammer! This one, was helping his "sick mother" too, but needed money and felt I could help him, he either wanted to send me things to sale like jewelry and things of that sort. He kept asking for my address so that he could send me items to sell over here to make the money. Only after a few short chats, I couldn't believe what this person was saying. Of course, I didn't continue with the chatting and I believe either he moved on to others, or maybe he was one of them caught in the ring, no more, has he said anything to anyone as I checked the page and person hasn't been around in almost a year.
The scams are continuing, they are spreading more and more. As I stated before, they are everywhere, everyday now, that I log onto blackplanet, I'm receiving a message from someone. I don't want to believe that everyone that chats with me is a scammer or tries to chat with me, but you have to be aware of the obvious!
1. The perfect picture --model or studio pic, one person took photos off gay website out of India, in the corner of picture I saw that was were the photo came from.
2. The perfect words--They always say you are so beautiful and want to know more and more and everything about you.
4. They are normally listed as being state side or another country, besides actually being from Nigeria or now I've noticed there are people from Ghana, Ivorians that might also be apart of the scam.
5. They are also stating that they are older than the picture (one of the last scammers claimed to be 39 yrs old, but the picture appeared to be of someone that was 25-30. You may feel that isn't many years but there was no sign that this person was that old, although it is a young age still).
6. They might have a local/stateside number, but be cautious. They are also numbers, the one mentioned in 5., he gave me a state side number, to "prove he was from here/lived here," but the number was a cell phone and it didn't originate from the state that he claimed to live in.
This person, mentioned above, also had tattoos, but he couldn't tell me what they said, "as it hurt too much" because he thought of his last bad relationship because they were related to her with her name on them, but they were designs as I could tell that much.
So know, that they will say anything, do anything to receive money or attention. Now, honestly, I do not believe that everyone is like this, but when they have a story behind it of someone being ill or someone has died I would think twice! Another, I felt was trying the scam of saying that he had a friend whom died, he was posting some pictures at the beach that was supposed to be of him and the friend that "passed away" that same day!
Again, not feeling or at all believing everyone is like this, just there are a few to watch. I feel that there are many countries (Ukraine, Russia, United Kingdom), you even have to be aware of local people.
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Hi Dee, thanks for your comment. I can imagine, that the scam artist are picking up on more and other ways to try and get money from unsuspecting people.
teee
I had that experience too. He had been in Canada 6 months, from Nigeria. By email 3 he ...'loved me & would always love me'. Tho 'I have never seen you'.
Then came a funny mail about wanting to meet me in person and how he hoped his 'rickety old car could stand the trip'. I bet...an 'accident' would have been next.
I felt emotionally raped. Vacilatting back & forth over ..is he..or isnt he..?
HE MOST DEFINITELY IS...& WAS. Comeon....
Hi Florence,
thanks for your comments. Yes, you do have to be careful, there are quite a few out here that are not honest. I am seeing more and more areas popping up, just know when they claim to be from the states, but taking care of someone sick back home, they might be a scammer as they are unable to understand things that are state side.
SOME OF THEM ARE VERY GOOD AT WHAT THEY DO AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF THEM BEING BAD AT WHAT THEY DO. THERE WAS ONE ATTEMPT THAT HE MADE RIGHT AFTER I TOLD HIM TO LEAVE ME ALONE. THIS IS ONE OF THE ATTEMPTS THAT THEY USE:
This email is from customer care unit of webmail.peoplepc.com and we are sending it to all our Account holder for security. we are having congestion due to the anonymous registration of accounts so we are closing some accounts and your account was among those to be deleted.
We are sending this email so you can verify and let us know if you still want to use this account. If you are still interested, please confirm your account information for proper upgrading as follows;
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Failure to do this within 48 hours will immediately render your webmail.peoplepc.com account deactivated from our database.
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peoplepc.com TEAM
Hey Dee,
thanks for more info, and commenting really appreciate that someone else is noticing these things too....I will do an update on my new findings real soon...thanks a lot!!
I think that my friend is being scamed on meetup.com.He says that his wife died of cancer and that he lives in Ohio and is building homes in Africa. He sent her flowers and candy. Calls her from there and IM her. Wants to marry her and he has millions etc. Suppose to be back in this town next week. He is madley in love with her.
Hey J Craft,
thanks for commenting/responding. It could be possible. I think she should be extra careful. Coincidentally, I'm from Ohio. I don't know for sure about this. I am now receiving friend requests on Facebook from Africa, too. An old family friend is married and this person is a mutual pal of hers. Her husband is still over there, she went there married him, but interesting, on his Facebook page, he still has on there that he is interested in seeking women, really unsure. Also, I feel they are trying to find more women, another pal received a friend request too.
A friend recently met a man on dating site who claims to live in the UK and works in Africa on temporary engineering consulting contract. White male, 50 years old with one daughter.
She has fallen madly in love with him as he has promised to meet in the next few weeks and marry her in the coming summer. They have only been in contact for 8 weeks.
He claims his wife abandoned his daughter and him. His daughter travels with him and studies remotely.
My suspicions, which my friend is blind to, is that he asked my friend to send him a new unlocked iphone for his daughter because she lost hers. He couldn't get this himself because it was too expensive to purchase in Africa and because of the riots in London the past weeks...His Bank Accounts were Frozen! This guy claims to be an engineer, I am sure he has a credit card and knows how to log into the Apple Store website and make his own purchase. But my friend is blinded by his words that she has purchased the phone and Fed Exed it to him, she is now $1000.00 out of pocket. If this stops here it won't be so bad, but I think this is only the beginning.
Does this ring a bell to anyone...looking for help to snap her out of dream land.
what would any qustion to ask to find out if you are being scamed or not not a good speller
OMGoodness Amanda this sounds like my friend. I am very worried about her and we have tried to tell her but she isnt listening. She has been talking with her for about a year now. She has sent thousands of dollars to him and he tells her he has ownership in oil in the Middle East and that he has raw diamonds and Gold but for some reason he cant pay for his own eye surgeries or his own plane ticket. Hes going by the name of Eugene Sams. He told her that if she sent him the cash he would pay for her electric and gas bill which was over 500 dollars but she hadnt been paying cause she was sending most of her disability check to him. Once he paid it 3 days later the credit card came back as stolen and again told her that it was a miss up with hi exwife. He has promised to be here to get her and marry her now at 12 times. She has ran out of money so now he is having her go to Walmart and pick up laptops, MP3 players and other expensive stuff so she can mail it to him so he can sell it to people there and get the money to come see her. She spent over 250.00 dollars,which she had to pawn her own stuff, to send it thru the USPS. She is still thinking that he is going to be here "In her arms" by Valentines day. I really dont know what to do. I wondered if contacting the FBI would do any good since more than likely hes using stolen credit cards to purchase the stuff. At this point maybe if she got into a little trouble it would knock some sense into her.
Hi Christina,
I am so sorry to hear of your friend being a part of this unfortunate scam. I hope you all can maybe have some sort of intervention with her. Possibly, showing her this story (make sure your comment doesn't show up though) could help her. I feel blessed that this is helping someone see it.
I have had, I think, two people I know. Recently, a lady has married this person! I am not sure exactly, what she sends him or anything, but she did get married to him, but she went over to the country, therefore, I'm not sure exactly what all is legit or not. However, he isn't here. They are listed as being married to each other, but he is in Africa and she is in the U.S.A. I worry for her too. I'm unsure how much/what all she does for him, but he isn't able to come in for some reason I believe.
Well, back to your friend, possibly contacting the local authorities could help as well as maybe having him investigated. It is so hard to handle these kinds of situations when you have an adult involved. However, she needs to be careful with the credit thing and checks, because the fact is that she could face charges, even jail time.
I believe I mentioned, if not sorry, but I know someone else that got caught up in the check scam. There are scams everyday going on around, so we have to be very careful.
That name, is odd, Eugene Sams, there are probably dozens of them, that have different pictures. I know I had one person have a picture of a white male and he was african. After they feel you are caught up into them, they seem to not care, he never made any comments as to why on one page he had the pictures versus, having different ones on yahoo.
I think if you find them or have the yahoo I.D. that could help. Unfortunately, your friend seems very involved, but if he wanted to come here, the money that she is using could pay for his ticket.
Something I've heard and seen before, these are their jobs. Thing cans be and are almost set up like our call centers, others could continue it while they are home on their own pcs, but maybe getting his yahoo ID, you could report it there, and get it shut down, because you could send it off as spam and what not, that might could help.
EVERYTHING HE HAS SAID IS A LIE. HE OWNS, HAS NOTHING. HE HAS LEARNED WHAT WE AMERICANS ARE AFTER, ROMANCE.. I'm truly sorry your friend is involved with this.
Why would she send him money, that she has, right here, that she could pay on her own bills? If he appears in 2 days, I have to eat my words, but I know it won't happen. I am going to pray over this situation.
I think if you could start with some minor steps that could work, getting his Yahoo ID, shut down, becareful, he will probably continue to contact her, so make sure she doesn't know it is you, but only if you have access or she gave you his ID, report it, if he is on her Facebook page, anything you can try to get it shut down. However, the only other things at this time, is prayer, contacting authorities, intervention for her.
Obviously, she is a lovely lady, I think if she is able to get out the house too, with pals and even if someone can introduce her to somebody, maybe that could help.
The money and things he gets from her, he is spending or keeping the items for himself. Again, this is his income, he will say anything, they are cyberbullies. He might not only use sweet words, but also manipulative tactics and hurtful things, like don't you love me? don't you want us to be together? If you love me you will send it, pawn your stuff, what do you need it for? We love each other, how can we be together, if you don't put the work in the relationship?
She needs counsel(l)ing as well to help her. Yes, I knew of someone, that almost had to spend jail time, over the check fraud that they committed and she was conned into. We can continue to look things up and she what else can be done. Let's hope it works out. Thanks again for the reply.
Hi Amanda,
I'm so sorry for just seeing this now! I haven't been on here for awhile, I'm in school and I'm neglecting this :(!
Well, yes, I hope things are okay and that she is okay, it is a total scam. Yes, the person I chatted with for a month maybe, had a child and was abandoned by the mother. That is truly what they say. She needs to cut her losses, I hope she has and that as you stated the money she lost was all she lost.
In my opinion, that isn't the M.O. of an older male either. Not to say they wouldn't ask for money, but not that they would. Usually, there is too much pride there. That is another sign, that he isn't legit! I think that he is definitely, doing all he can. He has moved fast as I stated they do. I think that she needs to be careful again, they prey on those that are seeking someone to talk to and to offer encouraging words of love, care and concern. Anything they can say to make you feel "special," they will. Also, since she has sent money, they will continue to ask. Once they get it for you they will expect to keep getting it, but if she is strong and doesn't send anymore, then he will "drop" her before, saying hurtful things or being manipulative towards her, again cyberbullies they are.
Hi Peter A.
things will be obvious, to know, if someone is scamming, I'm suspecting someone that has contacted me here, right now, but what you do know is this, things that a person should know and they don't know if they live in the states.
Despite what ethnicity, age group, gender or race you are, if you live in the states, there are things that a person living here will know or can understand than someone that doesn't.
Hi Christina,
another comment I have or approach you need to use too. Is be kind with your friend! I'm not sure of your approach and I'm not judging you at all, as I can tell you are a helpful person, but I just thought that we have to be kind to anyone we know that could be being used and manipulated like this. Being sweet, gentle and kind towards her, like he is, might make her respond more to you.
Explain, to her in a sweet manner, never yelling, getting mad or anything, could help more to, or just leaving things open to her. Saying it gentle and as more of giving her clues.
Like, how much does it cost to get a ticket to come here. i.e. $1500. wow, you know, if you just save the money, instead of sending him things, that could help him get here. Something of that nature, she might think, why do I keep sending all this money?
You know if you keep saving hun (Amanda) you could get him here faster. Why make him go through selling the things you send? If you just save that money he could get here faster?
Just if we used gentle words, that might help, hey we have to beat these guys at their own game. I just thought of it! Again, if this isn't an approach maybe it will help, I used to think the tough love approach I've used on people always works, but it doesn't on everyone. I've hope I have given you another option if you haven't exhausted the use.
Best wishes, please keep me posted!!
Approach your friends gently involved in a scam! Just to note! Something I didn't think about. Be very kind and supportive to them and nice about it. We have to act like the scammer, because they are showing them nothing but kindness and this could help them. If we are acting upset and irritated with them, we are drawing them further into that person and away from us and we don't want them to be conned out of their money!
It is not about the scammer, its about YOU! the scammer is only as good as his target is stupid. look in the mirror! Some of you people who get scammed are educated with degrees but are dumb as sh*t with no street smarts, common sense or basic human awareness!! anyone who asks for money online is simply not legit period!! I dont care what sob story they give! I dont care if their child is dying tomarrow I am not sending a cent, you better check yourself as to why you are stupid and send money to a picture online but you will easily ignore a homeless person on the street like they are garbage!! YOU MUST HAVE DESERVED TO BE SCAMMED YOU SUCKER :)
Well, Confidence Man, thanks for replying to my post.
I've noticed that you posted on another article related to scams, and you seemed to have mentioned you were being fooled by a person for a bit, but if you read my post I said conversation, not that I was conned out of money. I wouldn't send anyone I don't know money, barely anyone I do, for the fact that they are even invading Facebook now! however, I don't get why you would call me a sucker, when you were appearing to be one yourself, again, I didn't lose any money, I just took the info I learned and things I saw from others and wanted to warn people, also, "tomarrow" is spelled tomorrow, thank you must obliged, as I'm suckerfree.
I was not calling you in particular a sucker but anyone who sends money is, I was not almost suckered, I was just stringing this woman along so she can think I am stupid and will send money, I was just having fun. I would never get online thinking I am going to meet anyone serious on a dating site. Nothing but losers and people who are unwanted and undateable in the real world use those sites seriously. I just get on to kill time. Dating sites are a joke
Thanks for reminding how to spell tomarrow, worry about being acammed instead of worrying about a spelling error lol. I guess that is what people do when they feel insulted, wow I made a spelling error big deal.. coment on my information insttead of pointing out typos.
Hi my dear Ben!
I had very much a hard time, I did not sleep at night and very much
worried for my mum. Results of analyses have shown that mum to have
sick heart and urgent operation is necessary. The doctor has explained
that intervention of microsurgery is necessary, but in our country
such operation do not do, it refers to Coronary Shunting. But the
doctor has calmed me and has explained that we can rescue mum if to do
operation quickly, we to have very few time and it is necessary to do
operation.
I and mum have thought and have decided to operate immediately, mum to
contact the aunt and the aunt has told that will help us also we have
solved that we shall go in Australia and to do operation there.
My honey Ben, it very much pleased me, the doctor has told that mum
has every prospect soon to recover if we shall arrive in Australia and
we shall do operation quickly. I was calmed with these news and to me
became little bit easier and quieter for mum.
My dear, it is good news and to us, at last that we can meet you and
spend time together, it very much to please me, we waited that day
when we can meet and speak looking in eyes each other and this day
soon will come.
Dear Ben, but there was one problem, the aunt and its all family has
left for India in tourist small town and will come back only in 3
weeks. The husband of the aunt has told that will help us and will
send me of money, it tried it to do but it did not work because it can
transfer money only inside Australia. Then I have told to it that I
have a good friend in Australia and has told to it about you
(certainly I did not speak about us the truth, I have told that we
very good friends and that you can be trusted). My dear, your help is
very necessary to us. The uncle will transfer money to your account
and you will send then this money to me. I already went to travel
agency and learned all about a trip to Australia, to me have told that
the visa will be ready in 10 days, but it is necessary to pay services
of agency.
My sweet prince, your help is very necessary to me, you always
experienced together with me for my mum and wanted that with it all
was good, I am grateful to you for that that you supported to me
always and I wish to ask last time from you the help. It is necessary
for me that you have helped to transfer money my uncle, it will
translate money for your account and you then will send them to me. I
know you and I know that you the good guy and you can be trusted, I
trust you and very much I hope on your help, now all depends on you.
My dear, it is inconvenient to me to ask your help and it is a shame
before you, but we have considered all variants and we can not do
anything without you if we could consult I did not begin to ask your
help, but your help is very necessary to us and I ask you to help us.
I very much experience for mum and it is necessary to begin more
likely operation that it was healthy also I trust that you will not
give up to us and will help.
I wait your letter and gently you I kiss, please to answer me soon, we
have not enough time and necessary to hurry up.
Your Serge.
p.s. i dont know what to do, i want cry and very hope on you my love...
This is another scam letter dont you think...
cheers Ben
Hi my dear Ben!
I had very much a hard time, I did not sleep at night and very much
worried for my mum. Results of analyses have shown that mum to have
sick heart and urgent operation is necessary. The doctor has explained
that intervention of microsurgery is necessary, but in our country
such operation do not do, it refers to Coronary Shunting. But the
doctor has calmed me and has explained that we can rescue mum if to do
operation quickly, we to have very few time and it is necessary to do
operation.
I and mum have thought and have decided to operate immediately, mum to
contact the aunt and the aunt has told that will help us also we have
solved that we shall go in Australia and to do operation there.
My honey Ben, it very much pleased me, the doctor has told that mum
has every prospect soon to recover if we shall arrive in Australia and
we shall do operation quickly. I was calmed with these news and to me
became little bit easier and quieter for mum.
My dear, it is good news and to us, at last that we can meet you and
spend time together, it very much to please me, we waited that day
when we can meet and speak looking in eyes each other and this day
soon will come.
Dear Ben, but there was one problem, the aunt and its all family has
left for India in tourist small town and will come back only in 3
weeks. The husband of the aunt has told that will help us and will
send me of money, it tried it to do but it did not work because it can
transfer money only inside Australia. Then I have told to it that I
have a good friend in Australia and has told to it about you
(certainly I did not speak about us the truth, I have told that we
very good friends and that you can be trusted). My dear, your help is
very necessary to us. The uncle will transfer money to your account
and you will send then this money to me. I already went to travel
agency and learned all about a trip to Australia, to me have told that
the visa will be ready in 10 days, but it is necessary to pay services
of agency.
My sweet prince, your help is very necessary to me, you always
experienced together with me for my mum and wanted that with it all
was good, I am grateful to you for that that you supported to me
always and I wish to ask last time from you the help. It is necessary
for me that you have helped to transfer money my uncle, it will
translate money for your account and you then will send them to me. I
know you and I know that you the good guy and you can be trusted, I
trust you and very much I hope on your help, now all depends on you.
My dear, it is inconvenient to me to ask your help and it is a shame
before you, but we have considered all variants and we can not do
anything without you if we could consult I did not begin to ask your
help, but your help is very necessary to us and I ask you to help us.
I very much experience for mum and it is necessary to begin more
likely operation that it was healthy also I trust that you will not
give up to us and will help.
I wait your letter and gently you I kiss, please to answer me soon, we
have not enough time and necessary to hurry up.
Your Serge.
p.s. i dont know what to do, i want cry and very hope on you my love...
I too have been scammed. I went online (Interpals)looking for friendship only,and I met a man who goes by the name of Chris Wesney.Chris is 48 years old and is working in Ikeja Nigeria. His daughter "Tessy" is with him-he is divorced. "Chris" is an electrical engineer in Nigeria, and his contract he says will end in roughly 2 months.After only speaking with him for 3 days I was asked to be his "Queen" and he was so in love with me.He didnt care that I was married because he wanted to wait for me.And then, all of a sudden, Tessy became deathly sick with malaria.The doctors in the hospital had to have a payment before they would give her medicines to save her life,so yes, I sent him 50.00. I told my husband this and he was furious but that did not get my money back. When he received the 50.00 he emailed me to say it was not enough and he needed 50 more or she would die within 30 hours.I told him I was not sending more money and he became irrate.This evening he emailed me and said I caused his daughter, his beautiful Tessy to die, and he was going to be with her soon. I called him an idiot and told him to go to h***---these guys are out there looking for us people...problem is he seen me coming.I wrote this to save someone else the pain I have just endured. Bless you...Miss Paula
I was almost just scammed, I thought I did all the right things when I first started talking, but the biggest mistake is that I did not go back and recheck. These scammers change their names quite frequently, when I first started talking to my scammer I checked his name on the Internet and nothing showed up my other mistakes was to to check all search engines. I had yahoo and nothing showed up on him, but once he sent me me the phoney leave form my new computer checked it on google and there he was posted all over google as a scammer. So word of advice check all search engines when you first meet, keep checking because like I said they change their names and always check out every form they send you they may look real but they are not. Good thing I used my better judgement before I completed the phoney 80a/23 form.
Hi. I had a problem with a love scamer. He send an email and after two weeks ask money...
Two other women suffer the same.
His name is Dennis Prosper. He say is from Australia and marine engineer and tell me about your died wife. I know in Badoo. But the same name is in the facebook, with two different pictures.
Attention please... He is a bad person.
My e-mail is bibianamoya@live.com.ar. And I have more information about this.
Thank you
I was scammed by a man from Uganda .He says he had two sons and his Mom was dying. He wanted me to sell crafts and get money for family. I sent him about 600 and the crafts only came once. He would pressure me for money and even asked me to get my church to help. After we dated and I actually fell in love with him he asked me to marry him. Iwas having money problems so when money stopped coming he kept getting sick with malaria and our conversations got less and less. I eventually cut off contact because it was just too hard. He wanted to marry me and come live on US with his children. I thought he loved me. So sad. These people are insects!!!!
Oh I've just been scammed myself... Actually had fun playing along. This guy claims to be born to a south african mom and german dad. Living in US and working Nigeria building platforms for oilrigs. He even send this lovely pictures of his "son". Claimed to be widowed. Named Jonathan Goldman. Oh boy, after only 1 1/2 weeks he wanted money! And when I refused he got all soured up and unsubscribed from my mail. But I did play him a bit. Isn't there some way of exposing these people?
My story is very bizarre indeed. I'll try to keep it short.
I garnered an email address on cheatingwives.com (or something like that) and emailed the young lady. She-26yo, me-54yo. She suggested we use Yahoo Messenger to chat. She was just finishing college in London, her parents died together in an auto accident, and I find out later she has a multi-million dollar trust when she graduates college and marries. She has now graduated and just needs the money to pay her bills so she can come to me, get married, and collect her inheritance.
We chatted on Messenger and she used a webcam so I could see her. Only after tempting her would she show me anything other than her fully clothed. She sent LOTS of photos - looking very sweet and oh so unscam like. She didn't ask for money until well into the "relationship" where she professed her undying love for me and etc. and I sent her $1800 to help with her expenses. She knows my age and of course doesn't care about age. The weird part is that the woman on webcam is the woman in all the photos.
Of course, now she needs more money, lots of money (I have NO intention of sending her more money) and I have been kind of stringing her along giving her some hope there may be more money ahead, while I try to unwrap this mystery woman. I have reached an impasse and have just about hit the wall.
I find this "scam" interesting in that it is a young woman scamming an older man, all her email does not originate from Nigeria, the webcam experience, and several other oddities I can't think of right now.
When she asked for more I decided to start investigating. The first few emails, and some subsequent email I back traced using the originating IP addresses in her email. They came from Nigeria, surprise, surprise. But I have seen this woman on livecam - not a recording, and sometimes her email does not originate from Nigeria. Sometimes her English is a little broken, but not badly.
If anybody has any thoughts on this, or needs additional information (I know I've left a lot out) please respond. I'm running out of road!!! Thanks a lot!
Hi Marmadukemark, thanks for the information as well as replying to my post. I think anything you know about this person, if you keep talking to them and adding the information you could possibly find out. Make sure they don't know anymore things of your activities here online. We have to be careful, as obviously, we are online, so are they. I think some of the scammers are getting extra smart, I believe I've had a few actually, reply here. They are trying to learn as much as they can about the culture.
I feel too, many aren't afraid to show their real pictures, after the fact, was one of the experiences I
had, or they run so many schemes, they get confused.
I'm sorry you have loss money, please because. I haven't sent anyone money, but the first person I came across was right before I started to research more on these things. I've heard about the email, but now, this was about 3 yrs ago, 2009, when I really go into finding more out about these things.
You have given great info, I think if you can keep collecting the IP addresses, for a little while to see if you see a timing connection, like are they certain months or what. You should again, collect as much info as you can then contact the authorities.
Unlike people from the states, many people from other countries, wouldn't have a problem of jumping from a plane from here to there. This person could be a student and does this for money.
Another thing, I've just thought of, I hope it isn't, but it could be someone that is being coerced to doing this. Another factor, it might not be voluntary by them.
NO matter, what, they are willing to say and do whatever to get what they want. Although, you have given money before, soon, they might get bored and move on, so if you decide you want to go to the authorities, don't take too much time, if not, try to get the word out as much as possible, to help others, one step, was reading this story and commenting thank you for this.
If you would like to chat more, let me know.
Hi Ben,
sorry it took so long to reply, but thank you for your help and providing this information, it is well needed.
yes, indeed, more scams! It is unbelievable, I'm so glad that this story is helping people and that people like you are adding to it, we all need to stick together on this!!!
Hi Ben,
much appreciated, yes, all scams, unbelievable, we have to stay positive, stop them in their tracks and make sure we inform friends about it too and family. We must beaware, they like to catch us off guarded, mind you they are still finding ways on the internet, through email too, so still be careful.
Hi Miss Paula,
thank you for your comments, bless you as well. You can look at this you are kindhearted, gentle person and someone was taking advantage of that. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Despite it being a scam, yoiu in your heart, was doing something good for someone else.
It is so true, like anyone, that is scammer, or even a manipulator will do these things too. Yes, that is exactly what happens they become abusive and tyrants. They want more and willn ot stop until you do. You did the right thing. You arare a brave soul, to be able to tell your husband about it and to also, know when something didn't seem or feel right. At the time, you were feeling so, in the moment. Don't be hard on yourself, it is fine, thank you again for sharing and take care more blessings to you, God sses your heart and you will be if not already blessed for what you've done despite the scam.
Hi Deedee,
thanks for sharing. Yes, they have to keep changing names and addresses. I had one start out with one address then gave another for yahoo. Some will keep you in your list, so you have to block them on yahoo.
More advice, which I might have stated before, try to use nicknames as well for yourself online. Don't use your true email address and beareful of the info you add on faceboo,k, myspace also don't let anyone on your page that you don't know. Becareful too, about how much you say about yourself for many reason. local scammeers too or thives, heard that some were checking facebook, when people would say they were on vacation and they go to their homes and rob, so becareful all the way around. Yes, anything from banks, or any other financial institute or even so-called employment places, wtch filling out info from something sent to ouour email address, you are giving the scammer your ss# and what not all yoru personal info, so please don't fill anything out sent by email to you. sorry of any typos pc having some strange/weird issue going on.
Hi BM,
thanks for the info. Australia, it appears to be another area, some of my other viewers/readers/or commenters have stated Australia, hmmm, thank you for reading as well, time to do another investigation, I'm way over due, but owe to us all.
Hi Jennifer,
sorry to hear of your ordeal. Thank you for reading and sharing your story here. So true, yes, the first person I chatted with, wanted me to sell cosmetics. My thoughts were I didn't know where that came from, on my page though, I posted I sold AVON, which I did three years ago, this is something I didn't think of, maybe they do something in relation to your liking and/or again, your page, I have told people to watch what they post, but only in relation to them being located, but now, I see that they too, could have differnt things to offer and find something to send you in relation to your occupation, so that it would be appealing to you and they could keep the scam going.
Hmmm, my thoughts are going in many places here, but I see, yes, they will come up with something about someone dying or ill. It is sad, I know that they are having problems in their country, true compassion, but to try and scam others is unacceptable, just keeping telling your story and others and/or getting them to read our stories here and other places.
thaWe just have to do search ourselves, investigat, investigare, investigae that can't be said or done enough!! Just type in google or any sarch engine the counrty and words scam, you will see,
Hi Angelique,
thanks for commenting, good for you. The only ways I'm aware of are reporting the addresses. This is something I would have to look into more, but if you like you could too! :) smile, with their email addresses block and report as spam and what not, with a lot of evidence, then maybe it could go to the authorities.
Since they are not local, sometimes, I think it will be harder, as they have thse places going and will just move from place to place.
Hi Confidence Man,
thanks fro replying. I'm sorry about that, you are right, we need to work together and not take things so seriously. I do really appreciate your comments in that matter, the main thing is to help each other though. Sometimes, people are going through things and the internet is a good way to escape from time to time, so let's work together and have compasion for oe another despite all things :) I dod appreciate you.
Msgracie, thanks for replying so quickly! It really helped just having someone listen. I am fortunate in that the money I sent was not from a second mortgage or selling assets; but I'll certain take the shots: idiot, naive, stupid, et al.
That given, there are a number of sites that will trace back an IP address that is "hidden" in their email. In fact, there is a way to get this IP from your chats with Messenger. By using Google I was able to learn quickly and easily how to do all this.
Your advice helped. She may be changing locations frequently which would explain some discrepancies in her IP locations. I can probably look for patterns in past email and the IP's I collected on Messenger.
Another befuddler: I found her Facebook page (she didn't tell me about) that confirms a lot of her story and looks as innocent as the day is long. She has backed down on most of her money demands and now seems to be happy with the thought of me flying there to rescue her. I wonder how many of us are left waiting at the airport?
Probably, the best move for me to make is to quit wasting time, quit dreaming, take my lumps, swallow hard, and delete her from my life.
I gotta tell ya: this scam was well-crafted - bravo!
Sorry - but to what authorities would I go?
watch out money is all she wants from you. https://www.facebook.com/myangelicheart
Yes, of course, shejustwantsmoney, that's why we're here. But my scammer's got yours beaten hands down on the appearance of innocence:
Hi I have just finished reading the articles of the scams that people have fallen for I wonder if they are so lonely that they are so easily fooled. I have been on several dating sites since I lost my husband three years ago yes there have been scams tried on me but I guess I have always had an investigating mind and believe me research never lets one down I had one so called man after meeting him on B2 dating site declare undying love only after three emails I replied how ridiculous it sounded and deleted him immediately They try anything stuck overseas on a buying trip the best one I have ever heard is that the bank will not forward him a new card or that he cannot get access to his account I replied all he had to do was go to his corresponding bank where he was and that they would handle it I know that loneliness is hard and unfortunately these people seem to play on this I an lucky in the sense being a trained psychologist/counsellor can see through the lies I hope that having sites that people can contact when they feel that they are being scammed helps it is sad knowing people are loosing their money but sometimes its not the money its the pride that has been hurt to be made a fool off stay safe and I do hope that one day all will be able to meet someone I have been lucky I have met someone on line and not a scam so there is hope stay safe everyone
I think I have been scammed. I met a gentlman thru christian mingle.com. He says his name is John Logwin, a independant oil rig driller, now is working off the coast of Scotland. Has a daughter named Tessy. Ask me to send an unlocked phone to her and money. He had a wonderful gift of words, lots of poems. Called me Queen, my love, we are in this venture together. Now he is asking for money because his oil rig needs parts. why do people do this to others. Appears this maybe the same guy that Amanda was dealing with. But he said his wife Linda pass away.
Dee 22 months ago
HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD OF THE ONLINE ARTIST CALLED "MATTHEW T DOYLE"? OR "MATTHEW CD"? THERE IS A NIGERIAN SCAM ARTIST BEHIND THOSE NAMES. HE USES A PICTURE OF A DARK HAIRED MAN, MID 30'S. HE TRIED TO GET ME TO SEND HIM MONEY. WHEN THAT DIDN'T WORK, HE TRIED TO SEND ME A FAKE CHECK TO CASH. IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE EVERYTHING HE TRIED IN TERMS OF GETTING MONEY AND COMPUTER PASSWORDS GOT STUPID. PLEASE BEWARE, IF ANY OF YOU RUN INTO HIM. HE USES THE GMAIL ADDRESS OF MATTHYDOYLE@GMAIL.COM AND THE YAHOO IM OF DOYLEM19.