Romance Scams (Full Episode) | Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller

The villains behind an exploding online romance scam.
Enjoy a free trial of National Geographic right here: ngmdomsubs.nationalgeographic...
➡ Subscribe: bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe
➡ Get more Nat Geo Full Episodes: • National Geographic Fu...
➡ Get more Nat Geo Wild Full Episodes: • Shark vs. Tuna (Full E...
And check out more National Geographic series and specials here:
➡ Disney Plus: on.natgeo.com/3q6on5p
➡ Hulu: on.natgeo.com/3Qor0Ko
➡ NGTV app: www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/
➡ ABC app: abc.com/
About Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller:
TRAFFICKED with Mariana van Zeller is an original documentary series that explores the complex and dangerous inner-workings of the global underworld, black and informal markets. Each adventure follows Mariana on a mission to follow the chain of custody of trafficked goods, understand how to obtain the contraband, or see the 360-degree view of the trafficking world from the point of view of the smugglers, law enforcement and those caught in the crossfire.
#FullEpisode #TraffickedWithMarianaVanZeller #NationalGeographic
Get More National Geographic:
Official Site: bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite
Facebook: bit.ly/FBNatGeo
Twitter: bit.ly/NatGeoTwitter
Instagram: bit.ly/NatGeoInsta
TikTok: / natgeo
Tenor: on.natgeo.com/31b3Koc
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
Romance Scams (Full Episode) | Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller
• Romance Scams (Full Ep...
National Geographic
/ natgeo

[@dazagulz4887]

the concept of giving money for people you never met is beyond me

[@abdladigun6436]

Hey can you send me some money

[@Kenna198]

It’s crazy stupid

[@SonjaElizabethTeal]

Great comment. Especially when the concept of giving money to people I've actually met is beyond me.

[@hoped6676]

Exactly. Smh😂

[@Hisfavoriteshortie26]

@@SonjaElizabethTealTHIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS SAYING 😭😂

[@marifender4643]

when someone you met on dating apps ask for money that's a RED FLAG.... imagine , they introduced themselves as professionals and then ask for financial support 🤔

[@thepragmatist]

Exactly.

[@drextrey]

Let me rephrase it for you. "Whenever anyone anywhere ASK you for money thats an instant Red Flag, Escape Immediately" The red flag is ASKING for Money.

[@melissag4345]

"If you don't control your mind, someone else will." J. Allston

[@winniealwayo700]

Dang!!

[@MacP2990]

❤💯

[@angelrose2669]

👍🏿

[@franklidgad]

@@angelrose2669 "A fool and his/her money are soon parted!" Some are just to love blind to see what is happening.

[@jeffking9202]

Great quote!

[@57msdeb]

I used to get so many scammers trying to chat on Words with Friends. Like geez, how many men are there working over seas, who lost their wife, and have a 10 year old daughter? One said he was a surgeon employed by a drilling company. He got mad when I asked why a drilling company needed a surgeon. I told one I was Marcia Brady living in California. Told him the whole story of my childhood-and he had no clue. It’s so easy to scam the scammer when they claim to be American but aren’t.

[@dialmstyle]

lol

[@thepragmatist]

Exactly.

[@sasamafrass]

Lol

[@YourXellency]

Let me guess... His name was Jeff? :D

[@sheritaa3032]

I love it!!😆

[@taurahelms3068]

Relationships are nuanced. When a person sounds like a Hallmark card every day, something is off.

[@meghan42]

Yep. It's called "love-bombing" and is definitely a red flag.

[@SonjaElizabethTeal]

This comment ❤

[@layamercer4700]

​@@meghan42 On point for this one ❤👏💯.

[@neoanderz]

haha love your comment, exactly!

[@Inquisitor2024]

😂😂😂😂😂 a hallmark card! This priceless! Thank you, God I needed a go9d laugh!

[@Jorhan]

I never understood falling for these scams. If a message from someone attractive came in, I'd instantly know it was a trick! There's no way 😂

[@carolkrone3610]

"He listened to me!" Of course he did, it's his job.

[@Carolinapetroska]

Usually if the guy always has an excuse not to meet you in person or is far away on a trip, it's a scam. Just cross him out.

[@MrWarrenRB]

Well its online dating, so most of the best matches will be "far away on a trip." That's why the scam works. If they could find hot men down the street, they wouldn't be online.

[@feliciagaffney1998]

​@@MrWarrenRBthat's not totally true. Everyone tells me they don't like to go to bars. There's no good place to meet singles anymore. So, you kinda have to go online. The point is, they have to be willing to meet with you. In person.

[@SherrainePhillips]

The fake woman voice is killing me 🤣

[@Moondogg7]

😂

[@8m8ly]

No fr they deserve to be scammed if they believed that 😭

[@alexmumbere3373]

😂😂😂

[@Lydia-du2jx]

😂😂😂and to think someone is falling for that!

[@Mandymoore212]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@user-jp4uy8hj1y]

At one point, I was asked for money. I told him that I needed money to access my money. I was never contacted again

[@BamaSquirrel]

🤪🤣🤣 same thing happened to me…the “romance” was short lived when I said I didn’t have any money to access even a penny 🤪😂😂

[@thepragmatist]

Perfect.

[@dunique26]

That's a good one, I'll have to use that one the next time. Lol And there will b a next time, I'm sure

[@infinitylyfe3813]

STOP PAYING SOMEONE TO LOVE YOU!!! START LOVING YOU MORE & MORE & MORE❤

[@user-ll7mb3vr7g]

Facts

[@Sheisneika0976]

Amen

[@lalelale9172]

Easy said, if you are under a love spell u feel compelled - it is a doece pulling you...

[@mirjamweibel9678]

@@lalelale9172i am Forever alone. 39 never married, no kids etc. Only one “boyfriend” if you even call it like That because it was when I was still in School and around 15 years old and only for a few months. and I hate me. But i Would never fall for that.

[@mariastewart9820]

Thank you !!!! ❤

[@sinisterbohemian]

My 92 year old grandma fell for one of these a few years back. She was defrauded out of $15k by someone claiming to be a retired US Army general. It got so close to being far worse though. The scam had gotten to the point where the scammer proposed marriage to her and wanted to move her to "Kentucky" to be with him she just had to sell her house and send him the money. My uncle knew something was up. She was being very secretive and so one day he showed up unannounced and made her tell him the whole thing. These people are evil.

[@kathywhite4547]

This is crazy. Sending money to people you’ve never met. Totally stupid.

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Lonely needy people get into obsessive addiction with this.

[@aydinl5757]

Beyond stupid. After a certain age there is no “romance”, unless you have tons of money.

[@mele9131]

Or even seen on a screen. If I understood they only talk over the phone.

[@dianasimms1810]

I agree. It’s ridiculous.

[@RichD746]

It’s more stupid scamming lonely older ladies out of their legitimately earned money.

[@arfriedman4577]

I had someone call saying i won publishers clearinghouse. I told them i never entered. They kept insisting i won. I hung up.

[@bchompoo]

I understand scam victims, but when a person you're talking to bombards you with only beautiful and dreamy words, it's a dangerous sign. No one talks like that every day even though they really like you.

[@MPPG663]

Imagine a surgeon asking YOU for money. I'd send them six of these 😂

[@fhenlizhao5406]

😂😂😂

[@MultiKatieBee]

Yep! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@latanyar9377]

Yeah send him six knuckles sandwiches 😂

[@JenniferNewLife144]

lol

[@xmochix604]

This is hilarious 😂

[@user-nt6ov1il2n]

omg, I can relate to loneliness, being alone, unloved. but when money starts flowing, shut it down and get a dog.. he will love you no matter what and won't take you to the cleaners.

[@bonnieboyz]

At least the witch doctor is scamming the scammer! 😂👍

[@carpediem9718]

Just get a puppy or a dog. It will love you unconditionally and will never scam you. 😂😂😂

[@MacP2990]

Facts 😂

[@jzm2293]

But vet bills are insane too lol if they get sick

[@creativevisualsnewzealand6723]

I would have to agree mate1

[@PandaHead602]

Melissa 😂😂

[@PandaHead602]

You r still broke Melissa

[@user-wg9mb7om4k]

it's ironic that the scammers themselves are also being scammed by the black magic nanas

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

Right? 😂 Too funny.

[@iheomagregory8044]

I am an African woman that tells everyone to just block a person immediately they ask you for money no matter their acclaimed situation is.

[@user-so8hx8mo1e]

When a person is lonely and desperate, they will believe anything people say.

[@user-ex3mx7hk4l]

👏👏👏

[@havestrength5802]

you don't have to be lonely or desperate to get scammed. thieves can also target a confident, kind loving person and manipulate them for months build up what feels like a real relationship. my advice to all types of people is DON'T USE DATING APPS. enrich your life. meet people the old fashioned way. be friendly. and remember even someone you meet in person can turn out to be an abuser. don't rush in. love yourself. enjoy your peace and harmony. make your life beautiful. being single is a beautiful thing.

[@plantmama7442]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@user-so8hx8mo1e]

Young people don't fall for these kind of tricks. Mainly old and lonely people fall for their tricks.

[@badgalirri]

Lol once I talked to a scammer like this for 1 day. He said he is from Texas, works on oil rig for months at a time, sends me pictures of handsome american guy, him on oil rig etc. I talk to him one evening, it was chill, then next day I ask him to send me voice msg and he sends one and sounded completely like west african accent looool and i send him a voice msg back saying "why do you sound nigerian" and he sent me a voice message in a fake texan accent saying "whaddaya meann??" 💀💀💀💀💀

[@dazzledave]

😂😂💀

[@AzzyBriii]

😂😂😂 omg

[@Mythoughtonpoliticaltopics]

But its not only in Africa we have them in America as well.

[@anonymousreview1049]

People don’t pay attention to red flags. Hence, scammers win!!! Millions!!!! lol!!!😂 😂😂😂😂😂

[@57msdeb]

They are fun to play with. I told one that my husband just died and I have a few million to invest and just don’t know what to do with it. Hahaha

[@JahmBProducts]

The fake voices they do in order to scam is insane loll... Like how on Earth do you fall for that?? 😭

[@eduardovelasquez8643]

😂

[@lollafala2949]

Ignorance is bliss. These women knew that it was not the real deal and they just blindly believed it because they had nothing else to do

[@Abigail-ns2fk]

Someone tried to scam me this way as well,claiming to be a celebrity. I was at the lowest time in my life. The scammer even called my phone.I realized it was a lie,and shut down completely. I dropped out of social media as well. Frightening.

[@lovelyscorp79]

That happened to my friend. She thought she was talking to some music celebrity. Almost a year later after inviting her to a concert. Her approaching the musician and he had no idea who she was it finally dawned on her it was not him. I know she was embarrassed.

[@selmadragos7087]

You were at your lowesf, but you still were able to protect yourself. That’s actually awesome.

[@user-yt8hm4oc5r]

this is a perfect recipe for scammers. lonely people with NO street smarts, if it sounds too good to be true, because it is

[@NineNineOne]

Is “street smarts” a polite way of saying “low IQ”? I hope so. Cos this is low IQ.

[@ilonaerst2967]

And a lot of money to give away lol. Poor people are safe lol

[@danielamicallef9592]

This journalist faced a lot of personal danger to bring this knowledge to light.

[@charjose2843]

Oh please. Majority of this video seemed staged. Romance scammers are real but these people in this video I’m not buying.

[@fhenlizhao5406]

@@charjose2843true. The ppl rolling in dough from big time scams would NEVER give any “interview” to any journalist especially from the West. This was too easy

[@AK-pz7om]

Ghana’s a pretty safe country tbh

[@AfricanWifeinPakistan]

Ghana is safe country, again a show and media to highten suspense.

[@maenowwesleymotuba7516]

Where I come from "scammers" are open about what they do and they talk and brag about it.

[@cheryldurden6265]

Had one talk for six months then all of a sudden he come up with a story. He needed $200. I told him bye I wouldn’t send him no money

[@karinaurena7168]

Reported to FTC 😮

[@vgardner1688]

Good Job!!

[@cata3350]

Wow 6 months until ‘the ask’. How much time has to pass before it would be acceptable to help your partner financially?

[@indian2003]

I have tried to warn victims but looks like it is easier to scam than convince people they are being scammed.

[@SonjaElizabethTeal]

I've tried to warn two friends....

[@gigiarmany4332]

only experience will teach these " victims"..oh well

[@EffSharp]

It’s an addiction.

[@pollytopps3540]

Right!

[@pollytopps3540]

​@@gigiarmany4332And some stil dont learn

[@Abigail-ns2fk]

If you've been a victim of this,please don't be afraid. Learn from what you've been through.

[@malakend3123]

if they learn from it how do i make my money 🤨

[@ezbody]

The best scammers have millions of (potential) victims and they get their (potential) victims to protect and defend them.

[@CQ-369]

​@@malakend3123 LoL You could always start a pyramid scheme or a MLM company. OR- you could run for political office!!😂 I heard it's very lucrative.

[@Julianmario-ez1cz]

The best documentary I've seen on romance scammers. Excellent 😃

[@Truth-fk3vp]

Loved this program as well .

[@eric-222]

"Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions" For now they buy scripts, soon they may use Artificial Intelligence and guess what's going to happen next? Very rich content and more success.

[@hunterhilbert4559]

17:00

[@user-vh7sv6ue7m]

Very valid point. Thankfully for myself, I misplaced my emotions years ago. If you happen to find them.....

[@jcmagnus]

What is police for in internet Land?? Come on ladies when someone that is talking romance suddendly turns the conversation into money don't you get suspicious???

[@bunyipdragon9499]

By the time they ask for money an emotional connection has been made and whether through goodness or guilt the victim is hooked.

[@newmexicoballer3867]

Yeah after the first conversation 😅

[@Nocturnalux]

You’d think but they often start within days.

[@MultiKatieBee]

Kind of wild what loneliness and desperation do to people. They invest in anyone showing interest almost immediately.

[@gabrielamunoz1033]

Gotta be smarter than the criminal. We have to learn to decipher for what’s being asked of us and what they say so fast. Ppl don’t mesh that quick lol. But thank you for ur suggestion. Crazy world we’re living in! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@ferntaylor5347]

I saw a guy I worked with get taken for every penny he had, he lost his new truck and his apartment. We told him a thousand times that that person he was talking to was not real, he did not listen, keep going until he lost his job.

[@amylynn2979]

Yea my old neighbor got scammed by a Ghanaian lady. He sent over 20k. She ended up being married as well.

[@Truth-fk3vp]

I have a friend that got taken for three million Australian dollars , it was a inheritance scam . recently he sold his beautiful 4 wheel drive and sent them that money as well . He doesn't hear from them now as they released that was the last thing they could squeeze out of him . they scammed him over 3 years . They came on his face book page . it started as a bit of a romance thing . He was about 75 at the time and she was 34 . As if !!!!

[@solokalnesaltam3015]

Huge respect for telling their story. For some it's easy to criticize but under the right circumstances anyone can fall for anything.

[@LoloO42]

BS. I'm an older woman. I would never fall for this baloney.

[@ccdev]

@@LoloO42 You sound like a strong, independent woman. The cats keeping you company?

[@susanlett9632]

Ridiculous 🤣

[@chilenapromedioRU]

​@@ccdevCats are the BEST company. I would say cats look for strong, independent women. I wish I could fix the house I live in so I could adopt a cat, my senior passed away and I feel I'm becoming really angry after the grieving, that's because I don't have a cat around. Cat people would understand.

[@heathernks8]

​@@ccdevI'm 51 and have no cats. I'm in my own company and love that it's so threatening to ppl like you that you think a cat joke is an insult😂 Living alone is the best! I don't have to clean up after anyone else, have a small grocery bill, my cleaning supplies last longer, and I watch what I want, lol. The only advantage men offer is lifting heavy things but it's good exercise!😁 What else do they offer?

[@pink1237480]

I have had this happen at least twice. Ive never sent money but as soon as they asked i knew something wasn't right.

[@tonyaparrish5678]

That's the biggest red flag. I'm glad you knew better

[@karinaurena7168]

Omg reported to. FTC too

[@oliviahancook5195]

Wow this is such a business, you have script writers, the actual people, a black magic priest and then a finisher. Wow I have learned so much.

[@catfish_666]

Hahahahahahahaha

[@gordonaliasme1104]

​@@catfish_666It's not funny. Tragic

[@catfish_666]

@@gordonaliasme1104 WOMP WOMP hahhahaha

[@officialwondersharefilmora2174]

you can't escape the black magic for real i'm from africa and i know what i'm talking about

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@officialwondersharefilmora2174 😂

[@offtomars1]

I a 53 year old single male, and rarely get lonely. Two dogs, and a busy life. In nature very few species grow old together. Embrace yourself people!

[@UrbanAlchemystic]

Stay that way! You're comfortable in solitude and that's an ultimate Flex

[@kavelbryson817]

You're in Africa or America?does these people have families?i know the generation today is very uncaring and selfish;and that too contribute to the loneliness that most of these people are facing 😢

[@Truth-fk3vp]

Your not very old .

[@EffSharp]

I truly hate these evil sociopaths. We need to teach our seniors how to use the internet safely. It’s an epidemic.

[@JC-Finance]

This video should be publicized to everyone so they know and be aware.

[@ashleyambrose1216]

Those voices are crazy lmfao

[@valyud]

The justifications from some of the scammers about why they do it was interesting. While their backgrounds help explain their actions, it doesn't excuse the harm they are causing. There must be better solutions than scamming innocent people.

[@MacP2990]

You would think but people are sick and disgusting, sad world we live in I hate technology and the dating world 😢

[@gerhardvaneeden5615]

Yeah, the reparations thing was crazy. Fix yourself and your country...if you're able, that is. Instead of being a perpetual leech.

[@seansmith6516]

Why don’t you share some solutions?

[@Truth-fk3vp]

Africa is one screwed up country . And its because of this planets controllers . It is very difficult for these people . But karma will get them in the end . They will pay in some way for this . If not in this life possibly the next .

[@patrickstone3942]

I love this show. Please upload more new episodes.

[@slutty_vampire]

I know how easy it is to hate ourselves when we do a mistake or when we are taken advantage of, but at the end of the day, one just cannot blame/insult someone else for wishing for love. Judging them won't help because you can be sure that these people who got catfished in a way, they are already hating and blaming themselves so much ! Loneliness makes us vulnerable, we forget almost all common sense or "rules of caution and safety" just in order to not be lonely anymore ; so by all means, if so many people get caught into these traps it's not just coincidental, a real societal issue lays there.

[@Jazz-cm8gs]

👏👏👏👏

[@jsmuturi.2288]

Mariana you are the best journalist. Much love from Kenya. We love and study what you do. Keep it up Malaika. Ahsante

[@lovelyscorp79]

The fact these scammers use black magic and outwit sane people is wild!

[@daisymiano925]

@Lovely.... Life is spiritual

[@rosamariewanjiru8659]

​@@daisymiano925 kenyan women anthem

[@deusexmachina9776]

no black magic needed people are easy

[@James-gk8ip]

no magic

[@zeezee990]

Black Magic is NOT REAL… it doesn’t exist

[@danielbucket9772]

I met a guy online, he pretended to be marine after chatting almost 3 months. He was asking for money 💰, I said I need it too can you give me some. He blocked me 😊

[@user-ex3mx7hk4l]

👏👏👏

[@StellaFl]

Never send money, never accept money. It's as simple as that!

[@MacP2990]

Yep

[@magicalindigoadult3838]

Why not accept money

[@StellaFl]

@@magicalindigoadult3838 Because it could be illegal money and, if say, you are asked to keep some and forward the rest to someone else (via bitcoin or any other method), you could get in trouble for money laundering. Being a money mule is all fun and games until the law comes knocking on your door 😉.

[@StellaFl]

@@magicalindigoadult3838 Because one could be turned into a money mule laundering money for the scammers.

[@woodyssnake8562]

​@@magicalindigoadult3838because that could tie you to who knows what crimes, and now you are the one another victim sent money to

[@marta7089]

Who believe actually for these voices? Its like Darth Vader 😂😂

[@allium_o7]

as someone who spent most of their life in ghana, its actually pretty bad with romance scams

[@toniacollinske2518]

Perspective folks. Before the internet, lonely people were being scammed face-to-face. And still are.

[@stephaniecorelli3034]

But, not at this level

[@Moondogg7]

😂😂😂

[@caribbeanladyz7965]

That's true

[@AliAli-hm4xp]

I agree with you dear

[@franklidgad]

Yes, it is called 'MARRIAGE!!"

[@breathnstop]

Well done. You went straight to it. Real journalism. So refreshing.

[@Margriet101]

I hope she knows what she is doining every blond person expecialy with a camera will be notice there. 😅 No amout off money is worth it to play with lives

[@thedeaderer8791]

😂 it's kinda funny seeing scammed going to another scammed for a "blessing"

[@susanamartinezm]

This is so sad 😞! Loneliness can easily make a person very vulnerable to scams. The fake voice is so obvious, but the poor guy on the other side can’t realize he’s been scammed.

[@dmitriy8439]

Human stupidity does not have limits. Unfortunately with age things get worse…

[@rahmamechichi8668]

😂

[@truckingwithtobee]

Has nothing to do with usually. It happens to ALL ages. It’s PURE loneliness! Let’s hope you never get old.

[@quonzelle]

@@truckingwithtobeeso then why is it majority older people. how would they scam a young person who knows how to reverse image search. or have better hearing to notice ai voice or doctored

[@nyteowl8069]

@@truckingwithtobee You rarely see someone get scammed in their 20's. All the scam shows, the women shown on this video, Dr.Phil etc are old women/guys. It makes sense because they didnt grow up on the internet.

[@LadyAndanaZerva]

​@@quonzelleUntil it happens to your family members.

[@benperrotte6946]

This is absolutely sickening and horrific!!!😮😮😮

[@takashiimotaki9593]

Not more than the way people like trump got rich with jesus benediction in bonus, dont forget that

[@lovelyaudiobooks4427]

romance for rich people The idea of "romance for rich people" often conjures images of extravagant gestures, lavish gifts, and luxurious getaways. While these elements can add a layer of glamour, true romance isn't defined by wealth or opulence. It's about genuine connection, thoughtfulness, and emotional intimacy, which can be expressed in myriad ways regardless of financial status. However, for those with significant means, romantic experiences may indeed take on grander scales. Private yacht dinners under the stars, helicopter rides to remote destinations, or bespoke experiences tailored to individual preferences are just a few examples. Yet, the essence of romance remains rooted in the sincerity and depth of feelings shared between partners, transcending material wealth. It's also worth noting that extravagance alone doesn't guarantee romantic fulfillment. Sometimes, the most cherished moments are simple and heartfelt gestures that money can't buy-like a handwritten love letter, a spontaneous picnic in the park, or a quiet evening spent stargazing together. Ultimately, whether rich or not, the most meaningful romantic experiences are those infused with genuine love, respect, and emotional connection.

[@parentingautisticchild3235]

My family member was scammed during pandemic her told her the same lie about being in military she send him money for plan ticket to come see her. She was sitting in the house waiting for him to come smh

[@sherr6813]

Praying for the safety of our dear marriana and team❤❤

[@loverush9575]

Disgusting how they justify their crimes.

[@Chee235]

Not really. They justify scamming by the need to eat. How is that disgusting.

[@msannthrope1863]

I’m so glad I’m bitter and twisted.

[@NnEnkaa_]

Ditto💯

[@NK-so8ep]

Society in America has secluded the old to being lonely which is why it's leading to this. Old people should be around family and friends or rather living with them.

[@chipomutasa3550]

True. I cant imagine African grannies dating after being widowed.

[@Margriet101]

That is probably there own choice. When a country is rich you see more individualism

[@SuperJulioes]

"a Million dollars!" 😮😮?? I feel "used" if someone Im dating doesn't offer to split the check when going out.

[@shedtears8051]

You're not your feelings, control your emotions or you'll be controlled by them.

[@YouYou-sm8tf]

True... and most of those women become slave to their emotions like some naive teenage girls. They are old enough to have masterized their body and emotion.

[@estheragyapong8149]

As an African and Ghanaian,I feel so embarrass for this documentary.Why can’t we use this cyber intelligence to develop our continent than to deceive others.Bad economy shouldn’t be an excuse for this terrible behavior.Remember that whatever you reap,you or your generation shall sow.

[@jennifervaughn1541]

So true and I agree with you

[@paulnkansah9428]

We Ghanaians are generally honest. These bad nuts are spoiling our name.

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

Yes, I just finished watching this documentary and I had to give it a 👎🏻 for the way it finished. It was absolutely ridiculous to include all of that “wyt” guilt nonsense narratives to justify what such heinous criminals are doing. It’s nobody’s fault but their own that they choose the criminal/greedy path, than the conscientious path.

[@saramariagomez9948]

I met a scam Facebook profile that has been there for years. This individual was asking me for money. But I have always been suspicious about online love.

[@franklidgad]

Report it. Facebook will investigate.

[@Andrew-3445]

Perfect example of the phrase "love is blind".

[@kooliongaaa]

Lonely people are the most vulnerable part of society. There must be some kind of regulation of loneliness. So you are not controlled but always have feeling that you are needed and part of something big and important.

[@melrwill]

I need closure! I wanna know if the black magic worked on Michael from Virginia.

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

😂

[@carpediem9718]

lol. They’re scamming the host making her believe that they regret what they’re doing and felt sorry. Yeah right!

[@gigiarmany4332]

still think" the finisher" just sent some common labourers to meet with the journalist, he would have no incentive to meet with her & indulge his secrets...but still very entertaining😂🤣

[@sandrabentley8111]

$$$$$'s

[@viggycat8592]

How?! How?! I cannot imagine people believe these scammers on the internet!

[@giselematthews7949]

I find it difficult to believe anything on the net.

[@mundoeuniverso5123]

Loneliness, my friend...Loneliness.

[@chickynuggies2739]

loneliness makes people do crazy things and they don't know much about technology

[@franklidgad]

If someone started to take interest in you and was giving you much needed attention saying all the right things to you I think you would have a different belief. This just doesn't happen overnight. Some of these scams go on for a long time and the longer it goes the harder it is to not believe what is actually happening. They think it is real love but in reality it isn't. It is unfortunate that they are not aware that they are being scammed until it is too late. Dr. Phil has many many episodes on this exact topic. This is a very well done episode and it needs to have more attention. If you know anyone that is in an LDR (long distance relationship) then maybe share this video with them so they are made aware.

[@Nocturnalux]

To be fair, the vast majority of people targeted do not fall for it.

[@AdamarisMasBella]

The woman with the purple wig… hard to feel bad… two weeks later she considered herself in a relationship.. grow up

[@marydacoulis2875]

The Punisher. I had to laugh. Real men have real jobs and don't rob vulnerable women or men on line.

[@Mattdewit]

Dont be so fast to judge, its hard to have a real job when your country suffers under neo colonialism

[@marydacoulis2875]

@@Mattdewit I do understand that and sympathize. But it doesn't make it right.

[@tomondiek2839]

you have been scammed havent you

[@Mattdewit]

@@tomondiek2839 No because I am not an idiot

[@marydacoulis2875]

@@tomondiek2839 Not yet.

[@flgirl45]

I can't imagine feeling so empty that I felt forced to pursue something like this.

[@stelmosfire11]

Try not to judge. What you call ‘empty’ comes in many different disguises. We’re all empty in times of vulnerability. Including you.

[@yaeli_i_guess]

well good for you for being bulletproof i guess, there are lonely people out there

[@flgirl45]

@yaeli_i_guess Lol, you said it!!

[@stelmosfire11]

@@flgirl45 you’re not bulletproof. Nobody is. Even high ranking army offices lose it sometimes.

[@yaeli_i_guess]

are you implying i'm lonely? because i'm not. it's just funny to me how people will have zero empathy@@flgirl45

[@kastrodelacruz2721]

Nana is the main scammer, scamming scammers haha

[@dianasimms1810]

Get a puppy to fill the void in your heart.

[@CQ-369]

Or adopt a 🦜 parrot if you want to talk.

[@YouYou-sm8tf]

Or just go out and make friends in a hoobies club (gym, cooking, church,....)

[@rustyhowe3907]

This is what I did and haven't regretted it knowing everything Connie (my puppy) and I do is genuine and pure with no second guessing.

[@JJ-xx2fw]

You also have to think common sense why would a random surgeon message an overweight old lady that he doesn’t know from anywhere ? Successful men have options .also if something happened why would he randomly message a woman he just met ? Surely he has friends or family .

[@deloreslate4028]

These woman are way out of their leagues with most of these men. When their profile picture looks like a model headshot it’s because they probably are models.

[@abellambert2226]

"We could even scam you." *Proceeds to mess up current scam*

[@kimthucgiang3656]

When we are at the lowest, lonely, and miserable times, it's the best time for these scammers to get to us. Please don't shame other people's vulnerabilities because they are blinded by these scammers who are doing their best to fill in our gaps that no one in the real life actually cares to make us believe that we are loved at some point in life. Not everyone is awareness enough to realize these scammers' hacks they are using our weakness to get us. Plus, I strongly believe once we blindly believe the scammers, they use the black magic to achieve their goal. It's not a joke until you experience it. Black magic is no jokes and it's very sad to see how many vulnerable people are being scammed and putting themselves through the worst. This should be shared to everyone because at some point in our life, we're not the smartest to recognize certain things because of these scammers using the best techniques to scam us. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this documentary, it shows a lot that these scammers are the worst and FR i strongly believe in karma comes back to them.

[@UrbanAlchemystic]

Valid point

[@Carolinapetroska]

Please don't go online to meet men. They are not who they pretend to be. Some have fake profiles and don't even exist. Better to meet in person, at least you know who you are dealing with and immediately see what they look like.

[@tomondiek2839]

then you will meet a serial killer

[@Cam-zh1yp]

You are the beasts catching these scammers and making the Internet a better place, Adriannotch The goat back again with another absolute banger.

[@margoqu]

It may sounds cruel, but it happens not only because these women were desperate, but also because they didn't realize that men who are 8 or 10 can't be interested in older women who are 2. If they are to look for men who are 2, they would end up in much happier relations.

[@JJ-xx2fw]

Agreed you need to date someone in your level or it’s very likely one person is taking advantage

[@tishreni5183]

Nobody's an 8 or 10 after 60.

[@boldmover]

I always wonder if a family member or friend needs financial help. Would these people give them 2% of the sum they would give to a complete stranger that you never met? To an extent, I could understand someone who you are seeing everyday.

[@natalee6654]

People are more likely to help strangers. Not sure why that is but I've seen enough of these cases to know that.

[@tonyaparrish5678]

Soo many families watch as the elder spends what's been worked for whole lives to strangers....that's gotta sting . Money matters not to me but i would love to hv money to make sure my daughter can have a comfortable life.

[@jennifervaughn1541]

No because your family don’t treat you with as much love as the scammers do. And these scammers do not feel like a stranger, so that’s why it is so easy to fall for it if you are in the right circumstance.. it does not matter how intelligent you are, highly intelligent people fall for this if they’re desperate enough for love. And many times it’s too late by the time they realize that it’s nothing more than fake. I wish people would learn how to show affection like a scammer does because when it’s real it’s wonderful

[@singingway]

Even as I was helping a woman to fill out the paperwork to report to the FBI how she was scammed out of $80,000, I had to keep reminding her the photo was NOT who she had been chatting and emailing. She kept saying "but his son is sick...how will he pay for the medicine? I don't want to get him in trouble." I had to keep reminding her that he is not real, the son is not real, and is not even in the States. She kept relapsing and saying she was going to drive to Utah to find him. She was not old, only in her 50s, but the imaginary reality went so deep, she couldn't get her head around it.

[@nicolesingleton8454]

Lie number one "Hey, beautiful."😂

[@TheArtofBeingJoslyn]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 so true

[@MacP2990]

Right 😂😂

[@lollafala2949]

Hhahahahhaahhaa

[@narayankulkarni5378]

Sister please stay away from trouble these people look like dangerous please take care of your self God bless you and your family 👪

[@christinavaldez6276]

I believe this is currently happening to a friend. He says the lady has a deep Australian accent and they can never get a face-to-face call because her phone always messes up!! he won’t listen to reason!

[@franklidgad]

Probably Nigerian not Australasian. Some people just can't be helped because they are too love blind. Love makes you do stupid things and all the red flags that one would normally see are not taken seriously. Please continue to help him figure out that he is being scammed. And even now with AI becoming huge I would even be cautious about video calls. Look up deepfake and you will be shocked at what they can do now. The best way to know for sure is to meet in person. Good luck!

[@christinavaldez6276]

@@franklidgad well supposedly she’s coming here for his birthday on the 28th of this month so we will see

[@franklidgad]

@@christinavaldez6276 Just another tactic to keep them on the hook. Be prepared for last minute cancellation or a request for money. Hopefully there has not been too much money that has been spent/lost already. Just use your common sense. In this world of social media where everyone has a smart phone, tablet, or a laptop with a camera and are recording everything putting it on TikTok, Instagram, FaceBook, Snapchat and KZbin I find it really hard to believe that she is the only one with a phone that messes up EVERY TIME. She can't just use someone else's (brother, sister, friend) device just to make a quick video call?? Sounds fishy to me. I will be curious to know what happens on March 28.

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@christinavaldez6276 So, do you have an update? The 28th has passed. Haha.

[@Inspiredteacher1]

The world has become one big illusion and one big mixed soup of crime.

[@nellier3468]

Nothing new

[@markdempsey1088]

It has always been.

[@blackberry9013]

I can’t believe ppl still fall for this‼️😩🤦🏿‍♀️

[@muffywilcox5875]

Some people are really lonely and just really want someone and it’s really sad

[@thierrytrouillet5602]

Thanks to Mariana van Zeller for these very good investigations. Regards

[@mightyavocado]

this documentary is so beautiful

[@jenniferreese6805]

🤣

[@michaell7927]

Can you please send me some Money so I can keep watching these wonderful videos

[@monicagrorud2225]

@@michaell7927ditto get me some as well . For the beauty.omg

[@sherrylong6940]

Wondering if 'Odo' is still alive....? I nearly got catfished a few years ago...a US serviceman stationed in Afghanistan was the story. When he asked if I was married, I said 'yes', eventhough I wasn't. Immediately, he disappeared from the face of the earth😂

[@Reptar4000]

Why would a fit orthopedic surgeon….. want an old overweight woman w purple hair?!

[@TeeBee-yj5tt]

Why would a young athletically fit females want old men for the same reason. They both must understand it's all transactions. 🤞🏿😏🥴🥱💞🌍🇺🇸💜💜💜💜💜💜💅🏿

[@helenaquin1797]

Nothing against overweight women, either, I assume. It's a matter of shared values/goals.. Then, as I write this, some men want a heavier woman. Don't many men find an attraction to women who even faintly resemble their mothers?

[@Reptar4000]

@@helenaquin1797 I’m guessing ur a big girl

[@user-jw1bl4hq9j]

FOR MONEY ….

[@Reptar4000]

@@user-jw1bl4hq9j EXACTLY meaning she knew exactly what was up

[@Pammellam]

These women have too much money to waste! They have lost their minds! It’s amazing! Where did their good sense go!

[@thepragmatist]

This is great investigative journalism. Thank you!

[@mirjamweibel9678]

He was no stranger? He was a stranger. A stranger is someone you Dont know in real life

[@Not2Sleezy]

It's hard to feel bad for these ppl who choose to be profoundly gullible... Good PSA but what does this have to do with being "trafficked"???

[@CDGMR1]

The scammer being scammed by the magic scammer. 🤦🏽‍♀️