I'm torn right now but I have a "friend" that claims he purchased a one-way ticket to South Africa due to him not knowing how long his visit will be there and now he's stranded due to running out of money to get back home to London. Has anyone else been fed this line? I believe I'm involved in a romance scam and I'm torn emotionally because my heart is involved. I find it very ODD that his family or friends won't help him and he's totally dependant on me.
Please share advice or your story. Thanks.
2007-02-11 03:07:41 · 7 answers · asked by lenise1973 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
He also said that he went to the British Embassy and they said it will take 2+ months in order to get him home. How is he surviving yet can still call me via calling card and be able to go to the internet cafe? Hmmm...
2007-02-11 03:19:38 · update #1
Yes, it is more than likely a scam. Have your new friend contact the British High Commission to arrange for a repatriation loan. His reaction will tell you a lot about the reality of the situation.
http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1022686973044
EDIT: Listen the little voice in your head that is telling you that something is just not quite right. If he is already telling you why he can't do what he would be doing if his story were legitimate, then you know it's all a ploy. Sorry.
2007-02-11 03:12:07 · answer #1 · answered by Curious1usa 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a case of a typical romance scam. Put yourself in his shoes.if you ran out of money in a foreign country, what would you do?who would you turn to 1st?of course, you'd call those close to you.This guy must be a bit well off to have been able to afford the air ticket in the 1st instance. Why can't he arrange a bank transfer?No credit cards, no relatives to call, no friends, no colleagues, not even the embassy staff to notify them of the development. He didn't even call his father or mother, or sisters or brothers, or his wife.You are the only one in the world he informs of this.
yet,he has money to browse and can feed despite being stranded.
I think you know that your suspicions are right already.
Don't let your heart rule your head.Do what is right.
you can tell him to contact the high commission as already said, or you let him be.
you can get more info on such people at elovedeceptions.com, the site in the source box.
regards
2007-02-12 15:58:09 · answer #2 · answered by femi g 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It may be the case that he has run out of money and cannot afford to get a ticket back, but all he has to do is go to the British Embassy, who will contact his parents and make arrangements for a ticket for him.
I can say that at passport control in Jo'Berg and Cape Town they do not ask to see your ticket.
Also, be aware that a one-way ticket on Nationwide (a SA carrier which flies to Gatwick 3 times a week) only costs a couple thousand rand (which is not a whole lot of money).
My personal experience is a family member who I wired money to who did not use it for a plane ticket. So when he asked again, I purchased the ticket myself. He still didn't come! I bought him another ticket and third time lucky. But he's my bro - not just some guy!
2007-02-11 11:17:32 · answer #3 · answered by lesroys 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a pretty common scam. If you don't know the person on a presonal level, since you term them as a "friend" thats what I'm guessing, then do not send them money.
We've had the same scam run through our little area. Someone calls and says this is so and so and I'm broke down, out of money, etc... They keep calling until they find someone who thinks they know them and then get them to wire money. If it works they keep it up until the person catches on.
Call the Consulate there. They may be able to tell you more.
2007-02-11 11:29:14 · answer #4 · answered by meathookcook 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a variation of the 419 scams. For your own sake, do not interact with people from Africa nor send any money. However, if you are truely concerned your friend was the victim of such a scam, direct him or her to a place near them that can help rather than sending money.
2007-02-11 12:40:55 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have never meet him face to face it is a scam. How long had you and he been writing to each other before he went on this TRIP? Tell him something like you will have to steel the money from someone important to you. If he says ok do it I will pay you back before they will ever know it is gone, he is scamming you. If he cared for you like you think you care for him he would never ask you to do something that would make you dislike yourself.
2007-02-11 11:19:28 · answer #6 · answered by Mother 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its a scam ..no airline sells you an one way ticket if you not an citizen of that foreign country or at least have the permanent residence .
oh and it happend to me years ago that my money was stolen in a foreign country . The german embassy helped me out on the very same day (of course i had to pay it back )
2007-02-11 13:29:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋