Love, money and deception - Marie's fight against an online fraudster | DW Documentary

[@nnyv0040]

"HELLO, BEAUTIFUL" from a random person - is the most scammy thing ever!

[@Morgenmuffel88]

Here also come “my Queen”, “babe” and “have you eaten today?”

[@Gleyi07]

Not true, not always

[@akmilar4875]

At least it's not that interesting to answer for him

[@therealmncwanegwabeni7263]

😂😂😂😅

[@nyl1969]

Agree.even me...somebody sends me that msg."Hello beautiful .."😂😂the same story,but when he start asking money,....a red flag for me😂😂

[@johndewey6358]

I admire Marie for her courage and participating in this publicized documentary. Marie and other victims must be supported by the law enforcement and these fraudsters must be prosecuted. Thank you Marie for exposing the fraudster.

[@AmeliaTjekka]

​@@Frivals as much as I wanted to say that your comment is mean but sadly,ironically its true 😢 I never understood anyone would fall in love with someone they never met let alone sending money.

[@connecttoarun]

​@@AmeliaTjekkaYou're right as well but he ( fraudster) also must not play the emotions of her. Atleast he must have empathy.

[@luzpablo7440]

I admire your courage Marie. Good luck.

[@johndewey6358]

@@AmeliaTjekka Since you are NOT Marie and have not lived her life in her shoes you have no right to judge her like that. Only Marie can judge Marie's actions. People do many things, especially under duress of depression or other ailments peoples judgement may be impaired and they may not even know it themselves. Society's responsibility are to protect the good citizens and prosecute the crooks. In this case a crook took advantage of someone who believed that she is helping someone in need of help. While the crook knew all the time that he is lying.

[@rumblefish9]

@@johndewey6358 Sorry, she is incredibly naive going to Nigeria. Firstly, this is not a 1-man operation. These romance scams are run by syndicates, often involved in other illegal crimes. Secondly, the courts are bribed. She is never getting her money back. She is spending additional money for nothing.

[@LindseyDominguez]

Loneliness is such an Epidemic. Sad that it perpetuates situations like these.

[@roseSubebe]

Hi

[@katarinagbajobi6620]

I was about to say the same thing. The loneliness is a terrible thing….

[@roseSubebe]

@katarinagbajobi6620 ❤️❤️❤️

[@millamaya]

It's lack of God's peace because even if one is alone/no human friendships, God's love and peace are all we need.

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

I've learned to with live with loneliness fall my life. You cannot fight destiny.

[@kurumiponpon]

I would delete right away soon as I hear “Hello,Beautiful “ It’s scam

[@citygirlingraham]

Right, using words like that with a stranger is a red flag.

[@carmensimon1258]

Or Hello dear

[@sharonjames5938]

Reverse search doesn’t work or show much

[@deejay6016]

@kurumiponpon - and also if they call you 'my queen'.

[@Abdukhamidov_Ahrorbek]

Hello beautiful 😂

[@KaleighMacKay]

Never send money to someone you have never met in person. No phone calls don’t count, Skype calls don’t count, text messages don’t count.

[@celestialstar124]

Don't even send money to people whom you have met only a few times. Not even long lost friend who haven't contact you for years.

[@danielaiworo3900]

@@celestialstar124 if you know any Nigerian in real life that you talk to that person can be a scammer and take advantage of you to try and scam you out of your money and believe me it has happened to me before

[@AB-gb4xf]

Never send money.period.

[@mahalak4383]

Don't earn money. No money no scammers

[@sandra1761]

I've been online penpals with this dude for over 10 years. He is from another country. Just recently, he began pushing my boundaries and asking for money. I blocked him right away and never looked back.

[@DaCatOnTop]

She's an absolute hero for fighting back. Outmost respect!

[@olgaprokopieva2692]

I give credit to this woman for the courage to go publicly. She was in a bad place when she was taken advantage of. She had enough expertise and wits to track him down. Wishing her all the best to reclaim her money. Surprisingly when I listened to the scammer's voice on the phone it did not have the usual Nigerian accent and it sounded like a processed voice, an AI-generated voice. The scammers have no compassion for anybody, neither for the victim nor for the victim's family. Do not beguile and do not be beguiled by anybody.

[@Lunafalls]

I think they were translating what he said, as they did for when Marie spoke. But, what language did the scammer communicate with her in? German? Seems unlikely.

[@prizvinyam8356]

@@Lunafalls each to their own

[@Lunafalls]

@@prizvinyam8356 How likely is it that a Nigerian scammer speaks German? 🙄

[@PikesCore24]

These scams are a major source of income for Nigeria. Their government has no incentive to crack down on these scammers, who are bringing in a major source of revenue.

[@DocBree13]

Exactly

[@bevturner2258]

Wealthy women supporting the poor in Nigeria, however unwillingly…

[@citygirlingraham]

They have call centers in Nigeria, this is a business, sitting on the phone for their shifts. Scamming people.

[@nomahope3182]

You would be surprised that this happens all over the world. There are dating sites that hire people to scam people online. Most of these dating sites operate from Europe and are run by Europeans.

[@1fan689]

Scamming "clients"

[@alsmith9853]

There's no reason for anyone to fall for this sort of scam anymore, it's so common

[@deidradahl2802]

Correct, especially with almost everybody Social Media savvy. Years ago, people used to depend on the '''Village Crier'' for news, then the radio, now itis at our fingertips.

[@SusanSez1]

And yet every single freaking day people are falling for the lies from these scammers. It's astonishing.

[@Catnipatrick]

She paid for a fantasy and obviously she’s not going to be homeless, where she’s at.

[@earthrooster1969]

​@@SusanSez1don't worry about them. Life has ways to surprise anyone..for you it can be different one 😅

[@SusanSez1]

@@earthrooster1969 doubtful but I get your point

[@williamlee9669]

Nigeria average income is 300 euro a month. 130k is someone there working 36 years. She is never seeing that money again.

[@RenetTimemaster]

Hopefully, the movie company paid her something for her time.

[@urbanistgod]

@@RenetTimemasterLol that’s peanuts.

[@timeforgottentales]

​@urbanistgod it's peanuts in comparison to the cost of living in Europe. In Nigeria, €300 by today's exchange rate is about N450K per month. Ample for anyone to live a relatively simple life over there. In the UK employment support is around £80pw. A lot of people live on that (though they get their rent paid). Earnings are relative to the cost of living in the country you live in, so can't compare really.

[@urbanistgod]

@@timeforgottentales Dude, I’m talking about what DW paid her. I replied to a comment not the post.

[@T1kr3b3u]

If Nigeria had civil forfeiture laws then the courts could seize the scammers assets, sell them all off and collect what they can.

[@einseitig3391]

Extremely brave person. Scammers have no mercy whatsoever. Nigeria is known for frauds.

[@elizabethbest6992]

My guess is that the courts in Nigeria look the other way at this activity. I wouldn't be surprised.

[@kayannramos2218]

I would never trust Nigeria government or anything to do with them and other countries either

[@adj5767]

As a Nigerian, this infuriates me. It has only gotten worse over the years😢. I admire her for taking it to the very end. Good for her!

[@mercedesbarearamon8479]

Por desgracia, Nigeria está marcada por la estafa

[@earthrooster1969]

Nigeria is not the only place, don't take it personally... Poverty and petty criminals are SO organised that such scams are more organised crime... Just like drugs, human trafficking... It's a global underbelly..

[@ajbrut]

Why do we have to blur perpetrators faces? While victims have to expose everything and be vurnerable. So unfair.

[@isay207]

Photo is stolen

[@passwordsuggestion5336]

Not the guy in the meeting​@@isay207

[@San_Be]

@@isay207 His face was blurred when they met in the café.

[@VirginiaWilde]

Because he hasn't been convicted of fraud.

[@mylifejourney74]

Because the guy in the picture is a victim of id fraud as well. So he is masked as well.

[@selaboy]

I will never try to find love online would rather enjoy my single life than fake love 😘 DW never stop to amaze me greetings from Oman 🇴🇲

[@ArgusAlf]

يمكن تحصل حب حياتك بدال ما تخضه كل يوم

[@falahbaloch]

Right ✅️

[@pixiecalv]

Come to uganda

[@Rose9ueen]

They have muslim married apps called muzz, its more real coz everything need id. Inshallah maybe u can find good partner there. Alot religious muslim woman tgere to find husband coz dating is haram in islam, but also a lot muslim country doesnt practise arranged marriage

[@bridgetchapman5985]

What an amazing lady! So strong and inspiring! She took her power back.

[@angelinaleonardo4796]

Your not a kid. Your an adult. Do you have children? Do you not have family? Do you not have friends that care and love you? Are you educated? What planet are you on? Its people like you that make this industry thrive. Go buy yourself a bible and read it. While in nigeria go find people living in extreme poverty and tell them what you did. Go find a child whos starving to death and tell him or her what you did. Then look at yourself in the mirror..

[@roseSubebe]

Hi

[@ileanamuntean7338]

Marie seems such a nice person, I hope she is with people who are genuine and love her.

[@isay207]

There always is an element of greed lazy and ego in the victims

[@earthrooster1969]

She is standing up for herself. That is more than enough in this world where support comes only on conditions...

[@earthrooster1969]

​@@isay207quite a bitter person you are...

[@BosTollie]

Here's a tip...DON'T GIVE ANYONE ANY Money, that includes Celebrities

[@aml4111]

Why would celebrities ask for money… they should be giving out money 😮

[@annepollock8306]

Fake celebrities! ​@@aml4111

[@Inquisitor2024]

😂​@@aml4111

[@Inquisitor2024]

Celebrities wouldn't, but scammers POSING as would

[@nothingworksworks3511]

bad advice- money time is TOO LATE. ppl get addicted to flirting & an addict will do ANYTHING for supply

[@tinydream]

She needs to understand that it’s not one person working alone. It’s a network of people. That’s why someone is always available to talk pretty much 24/7. She’s a client in their scam business, essentially.

[@restyocampo9333]

Agreed, it organise crime

[@earthrooster1969]

She figured it out for herself...she did not sit back and accept things.. She is a great example of someone pushing back...

[@arpankarki7814]

People should start going out and meeting real people.

[@muffycrosswire]

You can get scammed by a real person. Romance scams didn’t start online.

[@isay207]

But that would mean getting off the computer going out

[@emovamp-gw6rc]

@@isay207 yes they do that to, I've met them , however there's a limit to how many people they can scam in person, they can do lots more online some do both

[@Bocca202]

Real people also scam. :)

[@toomuchsci-fi]

I think every person is vulnerable to at least one scam, all it takes is a moment of vulnerability at a certain place and time. A person might not fall for this one but these scams keep going because they work. Blaming people for "being stupid" just makes it harder for them to come forward so these things can be stopped a lot faster

[@clairehachey2189]

So many people want to believe in the goodness of others. We are all susceptible in one way or another, even if it doesn't involve a scam. The sad thing is that these scams will continue.

[@toomuchsci-fi]

@@clairehachey2189 💯

[@deidradahl2802]

Agreed, but we need to grow a backbone, learn from others, and stand up for ourselves.

[@anjane3171]

True, and this is always what I been telling myself, never underestimate others and never overestimate myself either.

[@SBF2025]

Taking no accountability of their actions will bring them back in the same circle… They will be scammed over and over again …So ..of course the first time I can say …not their fully mistake,but when they continued with that action is 100% their fault. Accountability is the key to do better choices!

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

In some places, this type of scam is called pig butchering because scammers will groom the victims (fattening up) before butchering them. Just like in cybersecurity, the weakest link is the end-users (victims). Most of us have been targetted. I have received tons of ‘friend requests’ or ‘wrong calls’ from beautiful young women with successful careers and always single. Why would such supermodel-level women be so obsessed to get into a relationship with me? It’s our self-delusion plus greed, lust etc that made online scamming so lucrative.

[@encarnijimenez9174]

Todo el daño que se le hace a los demás se volverá en su contra en algún momento , todo se paga y recibirán su merecido 😞

[@julieperry8158]

That would be my question - why would any man be interested in me?? Give me a break!!

[@ConstanceSlanina]

The world is upside down. Virtues have been forgotten, lust runs our minds

[@unasperanza9803]

Yup I have been apprached by widowers on face book more than once. Not datin apps FACEBOOK .Reverse image search used to be really useful!!

[@sarahm9723]

It’s very easy to screen. If you meet someone online, demand to go to zoom immediately. If they don’t, they’re criminals.

[@nian60]

Tip: Do a Reverse Image Search on every photo that he sends you. If he has stolen the photo he's a scammer. Dump him.

[@mikrobyo1790]

lol reverse image is not that powerful

[@Paul-uo9sv]

People need to learn this

[@ganymededarling]

It still shocks me that people don't do this.

[@waldemarsikorski4759]

@@mikrobyo1790 lol you're wrong

[@tyiffpeijc8702]

​@@waldemarsikorski4759 Have you used it extensively? It's not a difficult tool to confuse. Mikrobyo is just warning people not to rely entirely on reverse image search.

[@donnabonn1892]

The Nigerians authorities don't care. Wasting her time and money.

[@writingpad7142]

Exactly they only gave her her day in court because the cameras were rolling, not a chance she will get any money back.

[@asd_911]

If you think so, check this story out. Google 'Emmanuel Nwude'; what this woman is doing will help her in the long run.

[@lolabelle4959]

Yep, they are corrupt AF!

[@iamurmakteh]

I ve seen a documentary where nigerians said it s payback for slavery in the past. 😅

[@TrentAdam]

​@@iamurmaktehWell I can't say I feel bad for stupid people losing money though. I'd rather any poor people have it.

[@celestialstar124]

Let's pray that everyone who watch this video won't get scammed by such scam ever again

[@Cinimod-r3k]

No man should be be asking a woman for money

[@w.urlitzer1869]

and no woman should ask either.

[@annalee9911]

So rigt! Especially a foreigner asking someone from another country!!!! Never never! I'd rather give money to beggar I see than send a dollar overseas!!

[@Moution23]

What about Boss woman?

[@muffycrosswire]

@@w.urlitzer1869 a woman shouldn’t have to ask a man for money. He’s supposed to provide willingly.

[@ellenbrandman7724]

Exactly right. It’s so unmanly! These scammers are so unappealing to me, as a woman. They’re so whiny and unattractive.

[@jaida9254]

"I want my dignity back..' such poignant words from this courageous woman. Shame on those cruel scammers around the world who scam innocent people in this way. The tide is turning, victims must fight back!

[@sergiyrospysdiyenko6224]

Marie is a good person. Unfortunately not everyone appreciates it. Be careful in the future! All the best!

[@Pampilici]

How on Earth does anyone STILL fall for scammers??!! Blows my mind....

[@felicitywillboughby6901]

Exactly

[@michaelfishman7174]

BECAUSE THEY SUFFER FROM LONELINESS, LIKE THIS LADY CONFESSES. SHE CALLS IT DEPRESSION.

[@hinada9342]

Depression is a monster, everything you'll do، to scape it.

[@tabathaterry2998]

What's going on with that fake voice he keeps using?

[@TwoCardinals]

@@tabathaterry2998 He was pretending to be an American so it was an AI voice with an American accent.

[@phuongtran3364]

Marie, you're a lovely woman who is extremely brave and strong minded. I really admired you and all of the detective work that you have done ❤

[@michaeljcross87]

What an amazing and strong woman and a great story about faith, love, pain, and suffering. She went through a lot. She knew she made big mistakes and was humble enough to realize it and come out in public about it. That takes guts and humility. And then she had the strength to bring justice to the man who harmed her and harmed so many others.

[@Frivals]

😂😂 she taught that a beautiful man would really want her 😂😂🤦‍♂️ and she rejected the good men of her same value. She demanded that she deserve way better than what she is worth and that's what happens 😂 that's what happens when you inflate your ego and think you are the last 3 holes on the world. Zero empathy for her

[@deidradahl2802]

Sorry for her, also she has indirectly helped others to not make that same mistake, but in the end, no justice came from it.

[@patriciahowes7130]

​​@@FrivalsThat is a very hurtful and degrading comment. There is no reason to be so hurtful.

[@Frivals]

@@patriciahowes7130 truth can be hurtful if you live on illusions

[@MECHAUTOMANSPARES]

​@@patriciahowes7130 But it's true.

[@SophosJourney]

Thank you for bringing awareness to such issues. Really Grateful to you.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. :)

[@katherinea.williams3044]

⁠@@DWDocumentaryBrava! I appreciate your not shaming the victim and presenting this story impartially; unlike another channel I’ve seen, ‘Scamfish’, which deals with the same subject. Yet another reason I very much enjoy media from different countries with no particular agenda behind it. Danke! Love & Light from Miami Shores🦚 Stay safe mates🌎✌🏼

[@KeliK1]

What an awesome documentary! Marie is very brave and I feel for her!!! I also appreciate that the scammers have remorse and I hope Marie will get her money and her dignity back.

[@solofoodie4298]

I don’t think the scammers truly have remorse. He just pretended he has.

[@scottgodkins2017]

The remorse is another way to manipulate. You fell for it.

[@_pindi_]

I don't understand people who send money to someone they just met on the internet..

[@SasaSasa-wy9wu]

Loneliness, depression ?

[@lavinyaburcu6733]

You will learn when you experience it 😂😂

[@_pindi_]

@@lavinyaburcu6733 I don't think so. I'm not just gonna send money to a random person from the internet. 🤞🤞🤞

[@scottgodkins2017]

What kind of court does that? Just crazy. Kudos to her for trying to prosecute.

[@xskrym]

Scammers nearly succeeded in auctioning Elvis Presley's house, that's how sophisticated the scams are. What about a lonely, vulnerable Marie? Give her a break.

[@awsomepossum210]

Maybe she should stick to just painting...

[@deidradahl2802]

The minute there is any mention of money, just say NO, ''I am not in a position to do that.''

[@janvangorp6918]

One Nigerian scammer, sold a non exciting airport!

[@KushQueen9]

​@@janvangorp6918😂

[@muffycrosswire]

They didn’t not nearly succeed in getting Elvis house as long as Priscilla has something to say about it.

[@johanheurlin3594]

As a man who has used dating apps, you quickly get used to filter out scammers within the first seconds of talking to someone. 50-75% of accounts shown to men in dating apps are scammers of various kinds. Fairly easy to spot/block, but I can see how people fall for it

[@A1011-xs8vv]

It’s easy to not fall for it. NEVER SPEAK ABOUT MONEY, INVESTMENT or CRYPTO. Tell the person, you won’t do anything serious without meeting.

[@Sashazur]

@@A1011-xs8vvBut they know who is vulnerable and will sometimes communicate online for weeks or even months before money comes up, and by then people are much more likely to cooperate because they think they’re in a relationship.

[@lolabelle4959]

Most dating websites have warnings about romance scams + ppl STILL get sucked in!!

[@elleswieland6525]

I guess there are a lot of young models on those sites

[@julietran3272]

😪

[@DaniaAbraham-z3n]

why would a successful business man in Italy ask a woman he has never met for money? The way I see it she scammed herself. She said it herself she knew it was a scam but wanted to live in LA LA land due to her depression and probably desperation

[@pennytilghman3003]

Facts ❤well said

[@JustineBrownsBookshelf]

True, but at least she’s helping to publicise the problem

[@emovamp-gw6rc]

well, try and find out how they do their manipulating psychologically and emotionally, gain peoples trust & form a deep connection and exploit someone's hope, all for the wrong intentions

[@csong9940]

When you willingly give money to a person who lies to you, there's not much the police can do about it. No one forced you to give a scammer the money. And when the scammer is in another country, what can the local police in your hometown do? Did she expect they would fly to Nigeria and track him down and arrest him? They have no jurisdiction and they have more serious crimes to investigate back home. Yeah, this woman is brave for being willing to take her story public because plenty of people will ridicule her. But even in this documentary, her expectations are wildly unrealistic and naive. I find it hard to believe that no one explained to her the concepts of jurisdiction and criminal vs. civil law. It's hard for me to have sympathy for her because she still does not appear to have learned her lesson.

[@IloveCamels335]

Agreed.

[@Catnipatrick]

💯

[@Tatjana.B]

Marie...you're good and brave woman. I wish you to find peace and good life.

[@jamieusaa]

Crazy. You don’t give money to someone online. Period.

[@spootnik00]

She got scammed again by the whole country of Nigeria once she landed

[@Some_kind_of_wonderfü]

💯. Cut your losses and hopefully have learned a huge lesson.

[@Do-not-be-sheep]

The Nigerian police are frustrated with Westerners (mostly women) who feed this industry and they are equally frustrated with Western National Police forces that do nothing to arrest these criminals. The Nigerian and Indian scammers will not catfish Americans because the FBI has arrested many, dismantling the gangs, and having their leaders extradited to the USA. It is the same reason Canada has become the car theft capital of the world (or the single largest exporter of vehicles to Africa) because the Canadian government and RCMP do nothing to stop this criminal activity where as the USA actually arrests, prosecutes, and jails criminals for a good long time.

[@bengtina]

Exactly

[@Leo-dw4fx]

Single western women are keeping Nigerian economy afloat.

[@bevturner2258]

Redistribution of wealth

[@juliamccarthy6786]

Reparations 😅

[@rainbowdreams4718]

Men AND women

[@chrystianaw8256]

​@rainbowdreams4718 the women aren't doing this

[@jokiep65]

only the naive ones.....

[@Johanna.Wilhelmina.Velthuysen]

I Admire this Woman for her Courage to come through for so many other Victims....I was a Victim to from 2017 till 2019 I've lost thousands and thousands of money's.....Now I know better.😠😠😠😠🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@roseSubebe]

Hi

[@overseasuser]

Marie is a strong woman. It is good that she was with DW journalists in Nigeria.

[@tsienna2050]

Seems like there is country level involvement. Judges so nonchalant about cancelling a day of court appointments that affect people’s lives....crime is an industry in Nigeria.

[@ShukriH23]

😂😂😂😂😂😂they’re wicked

[@citygirlingraham]

It’s true, there is call centers in Nigeria, it’s a business.

[@bengtina]

Its the most corrupted country in the world

[@ThePushUKLifestyle]

Anyone else notice that the voice in the phone calls is a fake automated voice.

[@shellwirtful]

Strange and creepy, would only work on someone with bad English

[@SusanSez1]

They said it was AI automated for the documentary. You must have missed that.

[@pennytilghman3003]

Facts ❤

[@LuVi99singlemum]

Yearssss A thousands men with child's photos 😢 sent me texts via Facebook with sweet words...; then i never use Messenger again.. because too busy being motherhood plus know it's fakes.. real friends n family members have my phone number for good. So Ladies takecare of yourself and becareafully

[@LuVi99singlemum]

​@@shellwirtfulYearssss A thousands men with child's photos 😢 sent me texts via Facebook with sweet words...; then i never use Messenger again.. because too busy being motherhood plus know it's fakes.. real friends n family members have my phone number for good. So Ladies takecare of yourself and becareafully

[@Sunshinespeck]

I think by now everyone knows about these scams. It’s a good thing she’s seeking justice because most of the time these scammers go unpunished.

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

In my country, the authorities are always advising the public but still there are many victims. Scammers are also evolving their tactics.

[@Catmom-gl5nt]

@CalvinK-the_old_fogey First, I love your avatar! Second, I agree with you completely about there being victims no matter how many official warnings the government puts out. In America, banks will even freeze transactions and accounts of fraud is suspected and the victim will work around the block to send money anyway. One woman was blocked by multiple Western Union outlets, as well as several banks due to suspected fraud and she ended up sending money to money mules hidden in resealed cereal boxes! How do you protect someone like that?

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

@@Catmom-gl5nt cybersecurity experts always say the weakest link is the end users. Just like scams, the victims are themselves the most culpable. The should be no end to awareness efforts to educate ourselves. Authorities have put in efforts but we are the weakest links. Example, some people I know like to say “don’t answer an unknown caller” or “don’t do online banking”. Such advices are counterproductive and useless. Instead we should continuously educate ourselves and loved ones, learn how to spot scams, how the scam works and to have a healthy dose of scepticism.

[@IloveCamels335]

Let's be realistic also. Even though she takes this man to court she will never see her money again. And even if this specific guy would get punished there are millions others that will fill his place. The only way is to smarten up build up your confidence and your self worth so you will never be in this vulnerable position where you fall prey to such scams.

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

Spreading awareness and understanding of how scams work are the key because the end-users are the weakest link. Have a healthy dose of scepticism. Don’t give advices like “don’t pick up unknown callers” or “don’t go online” or “don’t use online banking” because they are impractical.

[@muhammadakram4303]

My advice is don't start distant relationships.

[@ConstanceSlanina]

"Nigerians" are everywhere. They come in different colours and shapes. Women or men. Be cautious about starting any relationship. Either distant or close

[@henkdevries251]

We need more Marie(s). So determined.

[@deidradahl2802]

So gullible

[@ConstanceSlanina]

"We need more Marie(s)" said a Nigerian while laughing all his way to the bank ...

[@rainbowdreams4718]

Soon as I hear all the gushing compliments and professions of falling in love and wanting to ‘spend the rest of my life with you’, I’m out. Gives me the creeps!

[@mariijapalazovska7934]

My huge admiration for Mary is how she fabulously managed to downplay this scammer upon making him entirely drop off his guard and get him to the end of the rope along the way. Eventually realizing that she had been fooled all along, she kept carrying on the same game by playing dumb until the very end so she could catch and finish him off; that's awesome.

[@inspirementmag]

Why do these stories always say these people "lost" money? These people willingly GAVE their money away.

[@SasaSasa-wy9wu]

Well for the exchange of love

[@annalee9911]

​@SasaSasa-wy9wu Yup..they ought to not be carried away by love

[@paulacarder717]

I agree

[@chicagogirl9862]

Ya they are foolish 😂

[@olufemiadebogun1606]

Really!!! Under false pretence.....Try loosing your hard earned money to romance then u will know how exactly it feels...pretty lame talk

[@JunCaguioa-i7g]

It is a red flag when a guy U met on line is asking for money.

[@Catnipatrick]

Seems to work like a charm for narcissists that love the attention

[@Bradybrad2524]

Marie, you are so brave to have done this. I hope you heal from the pain and know that your experience will help people make smart decisions. Hugs from Spain. ❤

[@ashishsah1000]

She is a very strong lady. It's not easy to catch somebody from another country. May God give her strength, courage and show way to justice.

[@9jalicious]

I'm Happy You got the chance to look him in the eyes & speak to him face to face😊

[@tytiw516]

The juju part was ridiculous 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sheilachepkemoi3036]

🤣🤣

[@GloryDaze73]

More scamming with juju priests 😂😂

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

That's when i clicked off ....

[@prizvinyam8356]

The juju guy was probably a scammer too 😂😂😂

[@ConstanceSlanina]

DW is the new Bollywood 😢

[@mariasanjurjo1427]

I was almost scammed by a person from that city thank god I never sent him any money 💵 he was pretending to be a celebrity, Keanu Reeves at the end I was very suspicious of him and blocked him and reported him to the FBI which I filed a complaint in which they never responded back to me so this lady is so brave to do what she did congratulations to her and thanks for sharing

[@thisperson5294]

Btw Keanu Reeves is not on any social media.

[@joebadagon8333]

@@thisperson5294you’re very mad ! You never sent any money and u want FBI to do what? Waste of resources 😤

[@adanam6377]

Poor lady! She thinks she’ll get her money 💰 back. Sad story.

[@ConstanceSlanina]

No, DW think they will get their money back

[@dennykeaton9701]

It is interesting to see that the scammer is using a voice changing machine that gives him an American accent.

[@awesomeirlable]

There was a subtitle in the documentary stating that his voice was disguised in production to protect his identity

[@dennykeaton9701]

@@awesomeirlable Ahh ok. 👍

[@Ann-sj4pt]

She’s an intelligent,kind,attractive woman.Hope she’s happy now ❤

[@roseSubebe]

Hi

[@nelsonvillam]

Hello, beautiful 😉

[@lindajennings8079]

As soon as they ask for money, anyone with a brain should know!!!

[@africaine4889]

She says the man she thought she was talking to had money. WHy send money?

[@T1kr3b3u]

@@africaine4889 The bulb upstairs isn't very bright on that one. It's like the lottery scam, you won 1,000,000 but to collect you need to transfer over 10,000 first :p dunno, how about you send me 900k and you keep 100k as a tip lol...

[@slightlycrafty]

There are vulnerable people out there your statement shows no empathy.... Just because you think it wouldn't happen to you it could given the right scammer and circumstances.

[@annehersey9895]

I don’t even loan money to family so I’m sure not going to give it to a stranger who pops up on my Social Media from out of the blue!

[@lindajennings8079]

@@slightlycrafty No it would not as I have been vulnerable,but never would I give away my hard earned money,and I do have empathy,but not for fools.

[@kshin625]

Why would you send money to a person whom you've never met in real life

[@mikrobyo1790]

its easy to say these people are dum, but they are just lonely and that clouds their judgements. It happens a lot more than you think.

[@mrnarason]

I've done it before, people are master liars. Or they change their minds.

[@dominamortis1111]

because they build a rapport over months of time. If you are new to online dating you didn't get the hard lessons about video chatting and having a phone conversation before doing anything. Sometimes the assholes are the man in the picture and make you think they actually care about you. It's a long con. And old lonely women are the biggest suckers.

[@nickchkheidze9189]

Social media is like a drug. She was like a drug addict and when he stopped texting her, she wanted that drug back and sent money.

[@Frivals]

😂😂 she taught that a beautiful man would really want her 😂😂🤦‍♂️ and she rejected the good men of her same value. She demanded that she deserve way better than what she is worth and that's what happens 😂 that's what happens when you inflate your ego and think you are the last 3 holes on the world. Zero empathy for her

[@mirosgodec5004]

Marie îs a brave woman. She had the guts to speak out and thus protecting other women from such experiences.

[@mirosgodec5004]

@@Frivals It seems that the guy was too good at what he was doing: an expert in manipulating aching souls

[@christinecatt8039]

Why do you say her coming forward is in essence 'protecting ' women. ?? All her financial woes she brought on herself..she clearly is her worst enemy.. Paying for the fake love and attention is in a way like prostitution...she only has herself to blame...she gave him money voluntarily..no law was broken...

[@christiaancoetzee2964]

Never loan anybody money. It's probably one of the biggest causes of animosity and disappointment.

[@zacksmith5963]

@@christiaancoetzee2964 your comment is on a chinese phone lol

[@christiaancoetzee2964]

Dear Zack it appears that you got scammed into buying fake Chinese spectacles as my comment says reduce consumption of Chinese products which at most could potentially lead to a 25% reduction in demand thus a reduction of the abuse of prisoners forced into slave labour. Wearing cheap Chinese specs can be detrimental to your eye sight.

[@michaelsteven8892]

A Lesson !Through self love,you will be able to evaluate yourself & greed & deception will not come your way ! Glad that Marie is relieved & gets justice ! ❤

[@meripederson8379]

Marie was very brave. If only more would speak out

[@evaburnz]

Absolutely. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Marie, and I hope her story can help to inspire others who have been victimized, and also to prevent others from being victimized.

[@isaymymind1727]

Only a few are able to showcase their feather brains in public...

[@Frivals]

😂😂 she taught that a beautiful man would really want her 😂😂🤦‍♂️ and she rejected the good men of her same value. She demanded that she deserve way better than what she is worth and that's what happens 😂 that's what happens when you inflate your ego and think you are the last 3 holes on the world. Zero empathy for her

[@annemorris9612]

When I received these messages I only do 1 thing .....delete.

[@gamuiceyt01]

Some of these victims need to take accountability for their role in being scammed. I can’t believe Marie kept sending money to her scammer when she already knew she was being scammed. She is incredibly naive in thinking she will get her money back

[@tammychapman3150]

Exactly. Where is common sense? When I was online dating I came across no less than 5 scammers and I spotted the problem within a couple of days. If any had ever asked for money I would have been furious and told them to get lost. Coddling these victims and telling them they have no blame is just wrong.

[@passwordsuggestion5336]

Hope dies last. Believe me. And if you can't imagine this happening to you, be glad.

[@Itgyrl909]

When “alarm bells” go off that’s good ol intuition telling you to walk away! Walk away 1st before they PRETEND like they are & make you feel like you did something wrong.

[@adamcarnegie5660]

Well done Marie, You are Awesome. So clever to follow through and uncover that criminal. Really there are too many awful stories - but here - though you have lost a lot of money - you have proven yourself to be entirely on a different level. Congratulations for being AWESOME!! Much love to you. And well done DW for presenting such a personal story that is so hard and vulnerable.

[@hulklikesnutella7236]

Even the lawyer is scaming her :))))

[@richleon1474]

Ain't it the truth.

[@acrylbuddha5326]

Sad but true

[@vuvufuzzy2594]

Exactly, he, the judge are all in it.

[@dust_za]

😂😂😂😂

[@GruenerGummistiefel]

Hahahahaha yes all it's the most traditional African sports .

[@WellbeingToPeace]

May she obtain justice. May she be safe and well. Ladies, always stay close to your friends and report matters to your contacts within the relevant communities and the country where this happens, Dont ever entertain a man whom you refused. May the laws protect us from misogny, harassment and stalkers by men we do not know, whom we reject, and may the police assist us once we report them. Good luck❤️🇩🇪🙏

[@kweuig]

The way she said bye to him after he dropped the call. She is still in love

[@lindabenedek2492]

Thank you Marie for speaking out. It’s very brave of you, to do so. You can help others this way. You’re absolutely someone to look up to.

[@gloriousgearhead5367]

Why didn’t she even FaceTime him? That would have busted him instantly.

[@filip4413]

She seems like such a lovely lady, i hope it turns out all well for her

[@RenataBastia]

This scammers don't feel remorse at all. I hope Marie gets well and her money back. Friends everywhere be careful. Internet sometimes can be a dark place.

[@HbhihibUsbyou]

Agreed with i

[@sis.555]

I support to Marie. She done a good job fight against a lier.

[@Wendy-sb6en]

I wish you guys hadn’t blurred his face. These people should be named and shamed

[@isay207]

Its probably a stolen photo

[@Wendy-sb6en]

@@isay207 I meant, the scammer’s face. He did all that shamelessly so he shouldn’t be ashamed of being shown publicly

[@winnebahospital6816]

she is very strong woman. thank you DW

[@anaselbe5063]

She was a genius to track him, and so stupid to know that it's a scam

[@frusia123]

Wonderful documentary. Well done to Marie, and I want to tell her that she radiates dignity, and if she felt she lost it at some point, she definitely already has it back in this documentary. I admire her courage and integrity. And I also want to say that I'm sorry for the people of Nigeria, OBVIOUSLY there are honest people there, and it's a shame that they're losing their national reputation because of those scammers. Greetings from Poland.

[@RenetTimemaster]

Always Nigeria’s. Never send money to anyone. I got scammed on an apartment and I was devastated! Never again!

[@evazylla]

Why would you give money to someone you have never met?

[@GloryDaze73]

It's complicated... When you're inlove then you do weird things.

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

@@GloryDaze73 What planet are you from? You cant be in love with someone who you have never met.

[@naturalbeauty4734]

Not my money!!! 😡🪓🔪

[@AndiAndrea]

Some people are painfully lonely.

[@DocBree13]

Wow - good for her! She’s very brave and tenacious

[@raquelpinheiro2394]

People here bashing Marie as if they were never fooled by anyone. Yeah, right…..

[@MECHAUTOMANSPARES]

We as men get canned now and then, hoping for "true love" but we don't complain and make a Fuss about it.

[@Ann-sj4pt]

yes you do

[@michaelfishman7174]

LOLLLLL

[@roseSubebe]

Hi

[@roseSubebe]

@@Ann-sj4pt hi

[@user-xs8vr5yr4z]

If a man would ask from me even 5 penny, I would leave him, because it is a red flag sign. Neither man nor a woman should ask their date a money, unless if you want to give it to your date as a "charity"

[@ED80s]

If they ask for money and you tell them you cannot help them and you never hear back from them, they were a scammer. I realize they make you feel bad for them but take care of yourself first.

[@jakebe4915]

These demons seek out kind people like Maria. I wish her well.. stay single. Just enjoy life yourself

[@alexafornea]

Often times these scammers say they are from a certain country but they actually call from a completely different country, they change voices,fake pictures, fake accounts.If you do the money transactions by yourself, then police and other officials don't really want to consider this a crime and don't want to waste their time on this unfortunately. 😢😢😢

[@tandraarisandi6680]

Wow, she go to Nigeria to sue a scammer?

[@bevturner2258]

She has more money than sense!

[@asd_911]

@@bevturner2258 You don't understand, that is why it makes no sense to you. I could see how relieved she was when she met the guy and when she gave her statement in court. People who are depressed need to let it out, money is not always the go-to.

[@MichaelHeery]

LIBERIA has scammers GHANA UGANDA AND KENYA.

[@Arizona_lilly]

Lol why bother and fly back b forth

[@wuyijie9490]

One of my female friends was lied and lost 80000$,another one lost 800000$!They all needed lovers and believed in frauds online! I couldn’t stop and help them at those time cause they didn’t listen to me!They chose to listen to those frauds 😢

[@ConstanceSlanina]

Your poor friends made the money they lost very easily. The old saying: Easy come, easy go ...

[@wuyijie9490]

@@ConstanceSlanina No,both of them are hard workers!Very thrifty and raised kids alone!

[@ED80s]

It's very hard to convince someone their "lover" is fake

[@EarlGreyLattex]

As a Nigerian person, I too have almost fallen victim to these scammers three times. Even though they know I am a fellow country person, I have always given them a piece of my mind when they've tried to approach me. It is infuriating. They should ALL be punished to the full extent of the law and it is a particularly horrific crime to take advantage of vulnerable people in this way. Unfortunately, though these scammers come from all over the globe not just Nigeria. Either way, those who choose this way of life are the lowest of the low. Also the whole juju priest thing... as an agnostic, I get so tired of these borderline faith scammers con people through their beliefs.

[@stephenspreckley8219]

I wish you well Marie and surely you will get it all back as is deserved. Best of luck , Australia, xx

[@SusanSez1]

Marie is brave and strong even if she feels broken. She is beautiful and smart - except not so much in this situation. I wish her the very best and hope her story helps others who are just NOT GETTING IT. Do not share personal information or give money to strangers online NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY.

[@Bulletguy07]

An amazing lady and I hope she gets justice.

[@NaturalBornRider]

Real men never, ever, ask for money. Period.

[@waldemarsikorski4759]

No such thing as a "real man".

[@Inquisitor2024]

​@@waldemarsikorski4759😂sadly ......I'm almost in agreement

[@naturalbeauty4734]

​@@waldemarsikorski4759Agree 💯👍

[@Westbrook20004]

Never had a romantic partner ever ask me for money and so I really don't understand romance scams. I just cannot ever see giving ANY money to someone claiming to be romantically interested in me as I would lose respect and contempt would creep in. Always been that way.

[@Frivals]

That's why you are single with cats and dogs

[@ovingtonful]

The guy ringing her on the phone in the courthouse sounds like a recorded American voice

[@SarahAndrews24]

If you are a middle aged, over weight lonely lady, instead of looking for romance , and sending all that money to a total stranger, invest it in yourself, join a gym, lose weight, eat healthy, go on vacations , there is so much fun you can have as a single woman. Very sad story.😢

[@A1011-xs8vv]

True. Their desperation for a man will ruin their le even more. It will make them older (from stress) and broke.

[@Lostrislostris00]

so true....

[@Frivals]

😂😂 she taught that a beautiful man would really want her 😂😂🤦‍♂️ and she rejected the good men of her same value. She demanded that she deserve way better than what she is worth and that's what happens 😂 that's what happens when you inflate your ego and think you are the last 3 holes on the world. Zero empathy for her

[@ashleyw.6702]

Sadly, many men also fall for this type of scam as well.

[@SerendipityTravels]

And fix that wig…