I WAS SUCH A FOOL

Recently I was tricked into spending a lot of money on a guy I met over the internet. I allowed him to manipulate me into handing over a large chunk of my savings to him for an investment that turned out to be a scam.

He’s disappeared and I’ve since learnt from the police that he targets lonely young women. He swears his undying love to them then fleeces them out of their savings.

I feel like such a fool but I want to share my story as a warning to others.

I’ll never again believe what someone on the internet tells me – not until I’ve done proper research and got to know the person, as well as other people who can vouch for him. Lesley, email Unfortunately, scams and fraud are rampant on the internet – from people trying to convince you that you’ve won a prize to those who try to assure you there’s an easy way to get rich or show you that they’re the one you’ve been waiting for.

Technology is wonderful and has made it easier to connect with people anywhere in the world.

But the most reliable way to get to know someone is still the old-fashioned way – meeting them face to face then spending time with them and meeting their family and friends.

Some reality TV shows give the impression that two strangers can meet, fall in love and live happily ever after without knowing each other for a long time.

It’s not impossible, but when this happens it’s usually a fluke.

Falling in love and loving someone are two very different things and one needs the latter to have any chance of a lasting relationship that can weather the storms of life.

Stop beating yourself up about what happened – it will serve no purpose. You’ve seen it for what it was and I’m sure you’ll be more vigilant in future.