I was told the exact same story as the other person on this site from Michael- that he was in Switzerland on business, owned a cattle ranch, lived in Southlake, Tx, had a wife, Sarah, that died from cancer 2 years prior, had two children- a daughter, 7 and a son, 8.
The stories are indentical except he told me he lived in Southlake, not Wimberley. We met on the dating size, Zoosk. He contacted me and immediately asked me to use the Hangouts app to chat because it was free to use internationally. He was very romantic and charming and totally took advantage of my vulnerabilities.
It wasn't long before he asked me for money to help his horse that needed surgery. I believed him and sent him the money. The requests for money never stopped after that. He needed money to repair equipment on his ranch, then he needed money for vaccines for his sick cows.
He even sent me receipts from the vet to back up his claims. He always would give me a date that he was returning home, but when the date got close, some other tragedy would strike that he needed money for. I feel like an idiot for believing all of his lies, but I'm a trusting, giving person and couldn't imagine anyone could be so heartless!
I started to catch him in lies and he always had a reasonable excuse. He's obviously been doing this a while and is a pro at it. I finally got him to admit that he didn't actually live in the U.S., but rather lived in Switzerland, and that he and Sarah were never married and those kids weren't his, but hers with her ex. But honestly, I have strong reason to believe he isn't actually the person in the pictures, but that he stole those pictures from someone- probably off Facebook.
The guy in the pictures he sent me was very handsome. I fell for it, hook, line and sinker!! This went on for 2 months, but I finally refused to send him anymore money- this last effort to get money was with the excuse that he was in trouble with animal protection authorities because some cows had died and he was going to be sent to jail if he didn't pay the fine.
When I told him I couldn't send anymore money, he got very hateful with me and disappeared. Beware of this scammer and do not communicate with him if he contacts you!!
anonymous
Illinois,#2Consumer Comment
Tue, April 20, 2021
This scammer is not Nigerian and the photos were not stolen from FB. The reason I know this is because I had a similar experience except I skyped with him so I know what he looks like. Also goes by the alias Thomas Ferman. Dont trust him or anything he says. He is a professional romance scammer who works with a group of guys who assist him.
Anonymous
Dallas,#3Author of original report
Mon, November 25, 2019
Yes, I know the photos were stolen but wanted to post them so other victims will see what photos this scammer is using.
Stacey
Texas,#4Consumer Comment
Mon, November 25, 2019
You were not communicating with the person in the picture - you were communicating with a NIGERIAN scammer. Sending money is the way they get you. There is no one by that name so I suggest you don't post photos of a person who has no idea is photos were stolen.