‘I Was Scammed Out of £67,000 in a Year by My Online Lover’ | This Morning

6 years ago, Ava from Essex thought she had met the man of her dreams when she sparked up a friendship with ‘David’, a stranger, online. But soon, David started asking for money and Ava’s dream turned into a nightmare, having transferred £67,000 before realising she was being scammed. The police found that David wasn’t who he said he was, but in fact a stranger from Nigeria. Ava is joining us to share her story and to warn others of the dangers of online love. She is joined alongside scam expert, Nick Stapleton, to share his expert advice.

Scams: Don't Get Caught Out airs on Channel 5 Wednesdays at 8pm

Broadcast on 16/02/2024

FOLLOW US:

MORE ABOUT THIS MORNING:
Welcome to the official This Morning Channel! Join us every weekday from 10am on ITV1 and STV as we discuss the latest news stories, meet the people behind the stories that matter, chat to the biggest names in Hollywood, get the latest fashion & beauty trends, and cook up a storm in our kitchen with your favourite chefs!

And did we mention we have quite a few laughs along the way too?

#ThisMorning

[bevanbuckwheatshea]

If someone ever asks you for money then RUN. RUN. RUN.

[laurieohleger]

What the heck is an "online lover?" A delusion.

[KarenAttard-yv]

Never heard of scammers??! Where has she been hiding?

[angeleyes]

Why do these women fall for this. They hand over thousands thinking these men are interested in them. When they start asking for money I would be “bye” no matter how lonely I felt

[rosanhawkins]

As an older woman on facebook, some years ago, quickly noticed a pattern when strange gentlemen would compliment & friend request. They were always American or British working in a foreign country, widowed with a daughter or son, sometimes even working as a missionary. Yet always, quickly asked for financial help for their “child” or for personal airport mix ups. Since I had no money to waste, stopped & blocked any contact.

[ldn]

£67, 000 is 126 million naira. Nigerian money . That man and his family, friends and village will never work again.
Minimum wage in Nigeria is 65, 000 Naira per month. £33 pounds.

[ARR]

Just don’t send money to random people you have met on the internet. I understand being lonely and all that. I was widowed 5 years ago. But my hard earned money is for me to have some fun in the autumn of my life and leave what I can for the grandchildren. I have zero intentions of making a scammer and their family live well off my back thank you

[natalieturko]

He's NOT your "lover". That word implies some degree of physical intimacy. She hadn't even met him!

[kerry]

If it's too good to be true... It's too good to be true!

[JohnSmith-ietu]

Almost a waste of time discussing it. The world is full of heartless scammers and also full of gullible naive people. This sort of thing will always happen one way or another.

[lindamckenna-qets]

Surely she must of heard of scammers if her daughter in law is a bank manager.

[viviennepastor]

I’m sorry she thought the requests were amazing but she still gave him money? This is just stupidity.

[LadyoftheReach]

Blows my mind people can be this naive 🤷🏼‍♀️

[tigrayplea]

No excuse for this, how on earth could she give 67, 000 for someone you don't know 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[bearc]

Iv got genuine friends in life and I think £100 would be pushing it 😂

[singingbeach]

Instead of "I was scammed", how about "I let myself be scammed." Yes, you're a victim, but also responsible for your actions.

[michelle.goodridge]

I receive these messages all day long. I just delete them immediately. These scammers are a waste of time. Do not engage EVER. Just DELETE, BLOCK! Stay on your own.

[susanstewart]

Don't tell me his picture was of a very fit and handsome middle-aged man who looked like a model?

[sharpedgeize]

Scammers do not care what damage they have done to the victims. The only thing they care about is the money. no amount of tears or profanity would change the heart of a scammer.

[MargaretMcLaughlin-cd]

And these gits are always "working on an oil rig".