My online friend is a scam artist., I got lucky I found out in time.

@yahnee (1243)
Philippines
December 24, 2011 4:43pm CST
He was the guy I talked about a posts ago and I thought he was someone who is a real person. We have been exchanging emails though I was wondering why he never mentioned anything about video cams or whatever that is the normal way of creating a friendship. He started emailing me beautiful love letters and I was actually wondering how someone will fall in love with someone he has not seen except for a few pictures. A week ago, he emailed me that he has sent a package with some jewelry, perfumes and some currency for Christmas. One night, I was surprised because he called me up through overseas call and explained about the package with specific instructions. He even included the tracking numbers and so forth. I checked the tracking with the aircargo freight and it was existing. A few days ago, I got an email from the aircargo freight forwarder that the package was on hold in Malaysian customs due to the detected currency and perfume. They were asking me to pay penalties of $1190 so that the package will be sent to me. Fortunately, I asked around from some friends and they told me about the scams proliferating on the internet regarding this same situation. They gave me the website which included a forum on these similar incident. When I checked the forum many woman members had the same experience and some had to borrow in order to pay for the penalties on a package that was actually non existing. So fellow woman members beware.
2 people like this
5 responses
jaderamirez
@jaderamirez (1029)
• Philippines
26 Dec 11
Wow! thanks for this useful information. Internet security is really important so we better know the person deeply before we trust them.
1 person likes this
mr_pearl
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
24 Dec 11
Hi Miss... Your experience has not been unique... there have been cases like this in the past... Many people have burned their hands (and holes in the pocket) because of the scammers... Remember, nothing comes for free... If you receive such e mails again, forward them to the authorities and they will take care of it.. If you think, you can catch the culprit then help the authorities doing that... take care...
yahnee
@yahnee (1243)
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
Yes, that is true because when I checked the website, there were lots of women who fell for that kind of scam and went into financial difficulties. This person is so convincing with his sweet words. He is masquerading as a British citizen and is very fluent in English with an authoritative voice and good speaking skills. Lucky for me because I just don't happen to fall for men whom I don't know about. I just posted this incident in order that others will be able to avoid these scams. I am doing my best to post in other sites so women can be warned not to fall for this scheme.
1 person likes this
airkulet
@airkulet (2700)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
@ yahnee that scam artist that you met online can you tell us his username if he is on mylot or in other forum so that more ladies can stay away that scammers
mr_pearl
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
25 Dec 11
You did the best, my friend, by posting about it here. These scams originated out of African countries and the same countries are a major source of the scammers. You might be told that you are gonna receive millions for which you'd need to pay a few thousands. Don't fall prey! Whenever you smell rat, the first thing you need to do is to take control of yourself. Your mind might push you for millions (in the air) and might force you to spend thousand (real ones!).. The moment you smell rat, inform the authorities... Take care....
lilaclady
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
24 Dec 11
OMG that is terrible, the internet is a wonderful thing maybe even the best thing ever invented but gee it can be used for such bad things, thank you for the warning, we all must be careful...
yahnee
@yahnee (1243)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
That was really the idea, to give warning to other women lest they fall for this schemes. Don't be duped with the idea of someone falling in love with you through the internet. It may be possible for some but not for all.
airkulet
@airkulet (2700)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
Thank God that you didn't fell for it, How could this people live like that by scamming others, i wished that authority will found them and jail them so that no one can be a victim again. Thank you for posting this.
boyuancy
@boyuancy (1708)
• India
25 Dec 11
Hi Yahnee. I didn't understand a few things. Firstly, when you called in to check with the air cargo, how did they say that the cargo was there? They can't be scam artists right? And did you really have to pay $1190? I hope you didn't.
yahnee
@yahnee (1243)
• Philippines
25 Dec 11
I checked the aircargo freight services and it was really legitimate. So sad that they are using the name of the company for fraud and scams. The supposedly operations manager called me up through overseas call and the number was actually from Malaysia. The they emailed me with a business letter informing me that I was supposed to pay penalties amounting to $1190 dollars for the package to be delivered. I sent a reply telling them that I don't have such money and if they want, they can send the package over to me and I will pay out of the currency that is included inside the package. They bargained with me that if I pay at least $600 then the package will be sent in a few hours time with the balance paid upon receipt. I told them I don't have $600 and started searching all over the net for forums regarding scams. This Raphael Duke called me up several times asking me to borrow from friends or relatives for the penalties so that the package will reach me before Christmas and that he would be following a few days after to spend New Year with me. I told him to sent over the money needed so that everything will be settled and no more calls or emails after that. He must be too sorry for spending all that amount in overseas calls from UK.