I WAS SCUMMED ONLINE: A LESSON ABOUT GIFT AND ROMANCE SCAMS.

By ABBRAHAM EKIDOR 

About two years ago, I had an experience that I never thought would happen to me — I was scammed by someone I met online. Today, I want to share my story, not for sympathy, but to help others avoid falling into the same trap I did.

It all began on Facebook, when I received a friend request from someone claiming to be from the UK. He was polite, charming, and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me. We chatted consistently for almost three weeks. The connection felt real. One night, he opened up and told me he wanted to send me some expensive gifts to show his appreciation for our friendship.

I was surprised — and a little excited. He asked for my personal details to send the package. According to him, the box contained an iPhone, a laptop, a Lorex watch, a Canon camera, a pair of designer suits with leather shoes, and $3,000 in cash. He even showed me a video call with the items and sent a detailed invoice with photos.

I was convinced.

The very next day, I received a phone call from someone claiming to be an official at the Mombasa port. They told me that my shipment had arrived and I needed to pay Ksh 32,500 for clearance before it could be sent to my location.

That's when things started to feel off.

How did a package from the UK arrive overnight to Mombasa? Why were they asking for payment through a mobile number, not through an official courier? And why did they say I was receiving cash in the box — something I later learned is illegal to ship and would definitely be seized by customs?

It became clear: I had been scammed.


---

How These Scams Work

Gift and romance scams follow a pattern:

They build trust with friendly, emotional conversations.

They offer expensive gifts out of nowhere.

They create fake invoices and shipment documents to make it feel real.

They pressure you to send money for customs, delivery, or taxes.


Once you pay, they might keep asking for more. But in reality, the gifts never existed.


---

What I Learned

Never trust strangers who rush relationships or offer lavish gifts.

Never send money to someone you've never met in person.

Shipping companies never ask for money through unofficial channels.

Cash cannot legally be shipped internationally.


---

Spreading Awareness

If you’re reading this and someone online is promising you gifts, money, or love — stop and think twice. Do your research. Talk to someone you trust. And most importantly, never send money to release a package you weren’t expecting or didn’t verify.

I share this story so others can stay safe and avoid the pain of being scammed.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE MIRACLE TREE: WHY MORINGA NATURE'S KEPT SECRET.

Image
When it comes to superfoods, moringa stands in a league of its own. Known as "The Miracle Tree" or "Mother’s Best Friend", moringa has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Asia and Africa — and now, the world is catching on. But what exactly makes this humble tree so special? What is Moringa? Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to parts of India and Africa. Almost every part of the plant is edible or has medicinal value — leaves, seeds, pods, flowers, and even the roots.           Moringa appearance   It’s packed with nutrients, easy to grow, and can thrive in harsh climates, making it a sustainable solution for food security in many regions.                   Nutritious vegetable  Nutritional Powerhouse             All ingredients in one  Moringa leaves are rich in: Vitamin C (7x ...
Read more

THE BEAUTY OF IDENTITY: TRADITIONAL TURKANA CLOTHING AND ADORNMENT

Image
 Introduction:  ---In the vast, sun-baked landscapes of northern Kenya, the Turkana people have preserved a striking sense of identity through their unique clothing and adornment. Far beyond mere fashion, their dress tells stories of ancestry, social ties, and environmental adaptation. A Blend of Tradition and Environment: Turkana attire is designed with their arid surroundings in mind. Men often wear a piece of cloth tied over one shoulder, typically in earth tones or checkered patterns, allowing for easy movement in the hot climate. Women wrap themselves in leather or fabric dresses, accessorized with multiple layers of colorful beads and bracelets, each arrangement symbolizing status, age, or marital position. Adornments with Meaning: Jewelry holds deep significance in Turkana culture. Beaded necklaces, headbands, earrings, and anklets aren’t just decorative — they signal everything from wealth and beauty to family background. The colors and patterns are often passed down t...
Read more

WHAT ARE COOKIES AND WHY ARE THEY IMPOTENCE.

Image
Introduction When you browse the internet, you’ve probably seen messages asking you to “accept cookies.” But what are these cookies, and why do websites use them? In this post, we’ll break down what cookies are, how they work, and why they matter for your online experience. What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your phone or computer by the websites you visit. They help websites remember things about you—like your login status, language preference, or items in your shopping cart. Types of Cookies 1. Session Cookies : These are temporary and disappear when you close your browser. 2. Persistent Cookies: These stay on your device and remember your preferences for future visits. 3. Third-Party Cookies: These are placed by advertisers to track your activity across different sites for marketing purposes. Why Cookies Are Important 1. Improved User Experience : Cookies help websites load faster and remember your settings so you don’t have to re-enter...
Read more