Nigerian Dating Scams - scammed big time!

by Lori
(Florida)

I don't even know why I'm writing this - I think i'm just so full of hurt, anger and so many other emotions I don't know where else to talk about it.

I am an overweight woman and suffer from low self esteem. I don't frequent bars, clubs or really any other social events because I never feel comfortable there. I turned to online dating because despite everything, I have dreams like many other women, to have a husband and family one day.

I joined a website that catered to large women and men, bbpeoplemeet.com. I met a few people there, but nothing ever panned out. Then someone by the name of "brian lewis" sent me a message and we began talking thru emails.

He told me that he he was in Nigeria for a few weeks because his mother had just had breast cancer and he was there taking care of her. He sent me some photos, and I couldn't believe how handsome he was.

I started to think something was up immediately, but I engaged him a while longer. About 2 weeks into us knowing one another he sent me this long love letter professing his love for me.

Again I thought, this is weird...it's too soon for these kind of emotions...but I ignored my instincts again and continued with our friendship.

He then told me that he needed money because he had used up all his money and he didnt have enough money to get back to Houston. I felt uncomfortable doing this, but I sent him $1850.00 for a ticket.

The day he was supposed to purchase his ticket, his mother had another medical emergency and he didn't purchase the ticket. He then told me that he needed money to help pay for her surgery, so I sent him more money.

All the while he promised he would pay me back when he got back to Houston...and I believed him.

This went on and on for about 2 months. He finally told me that he had purchased his ticket and told me that he would be flying in to London and then to Houston. He called me when he got to London, and told me that he would call when he got to Houston. He never called.

Both of his phones were disconnected and I could not reach him.

I then received an email from someone called William Colgate, who was supposedly with British Interpol, saying that Brian had been arrested.

I then started putting 2 and 2 together and realized that I hade been scammed. The email contained a number, but I did not call the number.

Brian called a few days later crying saying that he needed money to get out of jail. I told him to go .... himself and that was the last I ever heard from him.

Over the course of 3 months I sent this person $3600.00 - money that I will never get back.

I am still struggling with suicidal thoughts and deep depression over this incident. If I have any advice for lonely women it is to listen to your instincts.

They never lead you wrong.

We're usually lonely because we are too giving, and too accomodating. People see this and decide to take advantage. Also, get a hobby....don't spend so much time thinking about how lonely you feel.

Not everyone will find that special person.....so we have to learn how to be happy on our own. I hope my story has helped anyone who chooses to read it.

God bless.