My Scam Story #20

A Romance Scam Victim/Survivor’s Story

Survivor’s Origin: VIETNAM

This is the original victim’s story, enhanced by the SCARS Institute Editorial Team to improve comprehension, readability, and continuity.

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My Scam Story

Sharing my story has become a way for me to release the toxic feelings that have been haunting me. Please respect my privacy and forgive any English mistakes as it is not my first language.

Five months ago, I began learning Chinese and joined Tandem, a language-learning app. My primary goal was to make friends with Chinese speakers to improve my language skills. One day, a language partner suggested we switch to WhatsApp for more stable communication. Though hesitant at first, I eventually agreed as Tandem had connectivity issues. Shortly afterward, another man messaged me on Tandem, asking for help with basic Vietnamese phrases. I agreed to help and also moved our conversation to WhatsApp for convenience.

At that time, I had never even heard of the term “scammer” nor was I aware of their tactics. Online fraud warnings were rarely discussed in Vietnam, and it never occurred to me that I could become a victim myself.

On September 27th, our conversation began. He introduced himself as Charles Westton, a health consultant working for UNICEF, originally from Germany but living in the UK. Charles informed me he would soon arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam, for a five-month diabetes research project. I questioned the relevance of UNICEF and diabetes, but his brief explanation seemed plausible, so I didn’t pursue it further. Charles was consistently polite, attentive, and friendly, sending daily greetings and updating me on his preparations for the upcoming trip. This consistent communication made me believe in his sincerity and authenticity.

On October 5th, Charles expressed stress and frustration due to complications with the Vietnamese banking system, claiming he couldn’t withdraw more than $3,000 and urgently needed $1,200 to pay a registration fee. Empathizing with his predicament, I lent him the money without hesitation, recalling similar bureaucratic challenges my former bosses faced with Vietnamese banks.

The next day, Charles requested an additional $2,700 for a project tax fee. Trusting him, I agreed. He later informed me that the project funds were released and provided his personal bank details, requesting I assist him with a $38,000 transaction to a Korean medical equipment supplier due to his unstable internet connection. Although hesitant, I eventually agreed as he provided me with one-time passwords (OTPs) for the transaction steps. Charles later transferred $65,000 to me without prior notice, which included repayment and additional project funds. He then requested that I manage this amount for him as he lacked a Vietnamese account and professed deep trust in me.

Shortly after, Charles introduced an opportunity for me to become a volunteer project sponsor, promising a 30% interest gain on the sponsored amount. Although initially reluctant due to financial constraints, his persistent encouragement convinced me to accept. I shared my ID information for the application, which he quickly claimed was approved, citing his pleasure in seeing the jealousy of his local project coordinators.

As our professional interactions intensified, Charles began to express romantic interest, sending intimate images and messages. Gradually, I developed deep emotional feelings for him, eventually falling in love. I even shared sensitive personal photos, fully trusting him by this point.

Over three months, Charles repeatedly requested financial support, citing various urgent project needs. Despite warnings from friends and growing personal doubts, my emotional attachment clouded my judgment. In total, I provided approximately $50,000 through personal savings, bank loans, and loans from friends.

Throughout this period, my marriage was troubled. My husband and I had grown distant, sleeping separately for over a year and rarely communicating. Charles manipulated my marital dissatisfaction, heightening my emotional dependency. When family members voiced suspicions about my borrowing money, I dismissed their concerns, blinded by my emotional attachment to Charles.

The promised repayment was scheduled for late December but was repeatedly delayed with various excuses. Ultimately, Charles claimed he was hospitalized due to chemical exposure and ceased communication abruptly. Anxious about his condition, I attempted to verify his story through local authorities and organizations like UNICEF but received no confirmation or helpful responses. This lack of official acknowledgment left me feeling neglected and betrayed by the systems supposed to protect citizens.

Through independent online research, I discovered the term “scammer” and recognized the sophisticated manipulation tactics Charles had employed. Confronted with the harsh truth, I confessed the financial aspect of the deception to my husband, who reacted with understandable anger and demanded a divorce. Despite my remorse, I withheld the romantic aspect, fearing it would irreparably damage our relationship.

Fortunately, my husband eventually offered his support, committing to helping me repay the debts and suggesting we relocate to his hometown for a fresh start. He privately consulted a police officer, who advised that legal recourse was improbable due to the voluntary nature of my financial transfers.

Today, I grapple with profound guilt, shame, and regret, deeply troubled by my actions. However, I now recognize this painful experience as an opportunity for growth and wisdom. The lack of accessible information on scams in Vietnam significantly contributed to my vulnerability. I wish my country had more resources to educate and protect potential victims rather than stigmatizing them as naive or foolish.

Reflecting on this experience, I am committed to healing and improving myself. I firmly believe time will help me recover and eventually find inner peace and happiness once more.

SCARS Institute Notes:

-/ 30 /-

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