Scammer Manager Story + GRWM

[@SassyMashaVlogs]

Today, I'll be applying my make up using my new favorite eyeshadow palette and telling you about my close encounter with a talent manager that almost scammed me. Plus we'll chat about me being a garden parent at school :) 00:00 intro, prep 02:48 start of the story 08:41 favorite eyeshadow palette 17:40 the end of the story 24:24 Mila :) 24:55 being a garden parent at school ^.^ 29:07 lipgloss and balm Russian spoken beauty channel I mentioned: www.youtube.com/@osia ________ Links: Rom&nd Dry buckwheat palette romand.us/collections/eye-makeup/products/rom-nd-better-than-eyes-music-series amzn.to/3Z5sJZ9 Eveline mascara amzn.to/4fkjZUy Lipgloss Rom&nd canyon amzn.to/3Z5sJZ9 Balm Rom&nd lovely pink amzn.to/4hPrpB4 Please like, comment and subscribe! :) ♥

[@BooksWithLaura1]

I had the BEST time volunteering for my son's kindergarten class. They really did become like my son's family, and I was so proud that I ended up learning all their names. lol It's so sweet how excited they are to learn. How fantastic that you can teach these kids about the beauty of gardening. You never know what kind of seeds 😉you're planting that will effect them forever! 🪴

[@dmhq-administration]

FYI I get e-mails like that Myself and I'm not even a business owner! OR you get people/businesses with incoherent/nonsense e-mail/website addresses! I ALMOST fell for a "scam" too, once! It was some Apple contest to win a new iPhone! I called Apple and they said they were holding no such contest! OH, SCAMMERS ARE/CAN BE VERY CONVINCING! SAY NO, FORGET ABOUT THEM! OR CONTACT THE COMPANY THAT THEY CLAIM TO BE FROM! BE VERY CAREFUL! BE SAFE!

[@eily_b]

I did not understand that part completely 16:55 but I think she tried to convince you that the companies pay her instead of you and she said she pays you before you post any video. Well... that would never happen. No money from her and she keeps all your money from the companies. End of story. - Or she would just give you much less than you actually got from the companies you partner with for quite some time and then disappear with the majority of your money. Something like that.

[@BooksWithLaura1]

With your new baby coming next year and becoming a mom of two, PLEASE remember that if you ever need to miss a week (or two or whatever), we'll all still be here waiting for you when you're ready to make more videos. The algorithm has nothing on us! 🥰

[@ShepherdesstotheKingmaker]

how kind 💕

[@SassyMashaVlogs]

Ah, you are the sweetest! Thank you for saying this 🥰

[@alisonleigh100]

Agree ❤

[@BunnaySango]

I know I still watch daily on her gentlewhisperong channel

[@MrJetix-su7qn]

For sure ! ❤

[@meagandoesthings]

I semi-work in the industry; I do management for a few small channels. Absolutely what everyone else said, it was a phising scam/check scam. But I wanted to share: in the future if you ever do go manager hunting again, (or just for any service), ask "who holds the W?" In other words, if you can't verify directly with a company if someone works for them (employers hold a W-4) or if you cannot verify a contractor status (W-9, usually this is if they're working for themselves and usually you draw this up), walk. Give them ZERO information. Even before you give any information, including account log ins, etc. make sure you have enough verified information on this person so that if things go sideways fast, you have the ability to contact the police asap/press charges. Also, manager never touches your money. They don't even get to see your digits, you pay THEM. Never let the money through them, money only flows through you or an accountant. Congrats on the pregnancy by the way! 🎉

[@w1975b]

Yep. I'm not in entertainment or management, but I'm looking for employment and a scammer was trying to trick me. High pay for data entry, I think would send me a check to purchase laptop or would send me a laptop, etc. Sent me a contract by email but I did NOT reply to it. I looked up the company they claimed to work for and the "website" looked very cheap, the fake one. I found the real company and called, they had received calls about scammers before.

[@w1975b]

They needed to do a background check on me, so they claimed, but I did *not* give them info.

[@meagandoesthings]

@w1975b good thinking. Background checks are done by a third party, usually, anyways. You should've been presented with something official from a legitimate identity service, in which you gave permission to run your information. Of course, this varies by country and locality laws (in the USA for example, privacy/identity laws are very much ahead in California but lacking in several other states). LinkedIN had been a huge hub for scammers, especially in the tech industry. I always tell people, go to them, the good ones rarely come to you...

[@w1975b]

@@meagandoesthings thank you for the info

[@jordanbordelon1301]

I’m so sorry that happened to you! I do have to say I’ve been really enjoying the chatty videos lately. Feels like catching up with a friend :)

[@SassyMashaVlogs]

Aww.. I enjoy the chatty videos too! 🤗

[@ashleyhawley9891]

Seeing Mila was such a treat in this video, especially when she noticed the camera and her face just lit up! She's so big now but still so cute ❤

[@Stardustspectrum]

Yes! She’s adorable, a true ray of sunlight.

[@BooksWithLaura1]

What a relief that these partnerships reached out to you to express their fears and concerns. Really shows that they were looking out for you. I'm so sorry this happened but thankful that you had your business partners watching your back and you and Daryl did your due diligence to research this person. These scammers are getting more and more sophisticated and bold, and they will prey on anyone (pregnant, elderly, teens, kids, ANYONE). 😮‍💨 What might have happened is that she may have asked for your banking info to deposit your money and then she would have had full access to your bank account. Thankful you didn't fall victim to this!

[@kikiskaleidoscope7303]

Trust Us. You could take 6-weeks love. Cant live without you, but plenty of other videos and personal favorites we can ALL go to until you return. Also being the #1 ASMR Superstar on KZbin and most likely on this planet...we arent going anywhere!! We LOVE you Maria!! You are EVERYTHING!! THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS...❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SassyMashaVlogs]

I'm tearing up 😢 you are the sweetest, thank you so much for the kind words ❤❤❤

[@kellihickey4325]

I just couldn't live without you Maria. I have been following you for 5 years now. I know EVERYTHING about you. There isn't a video I haven't watched of yours. It's uncanny...you remind me of an Angel I met once. I'm SERIOUS!! She was soft spoken and came to help me. I swear it was you. No lie. I know that must sound weird. But oh well because it's true. Also, I felt like you were in a kind of abusive relationship before you met your wonderful soulmate. Thank God he made a way to close that chapter and bring you the happiness you so deserve. You are so worthy of all your blessings. And happiness. Success and and a Happy and Healthy Family and Beautiful Life!! I'm such a fan. And you are such a blessing in my life. And I don't know if you actually realize how much you help so many people. Millions of people and growing. Even children. Your our medicine. Please NEVER STOP!! This has to be your part time job at least, because 2 children and a husband will definitely be a full time job!! What a blessed family you have to be blessed with a wife and mother like you Maria. Your like the mom and wife EVERYONE would want. Your soothing to every soul. God Bless You And Happy Holidays!! There isn't enough room on here to compliment you enough. Also...fyi...Be Very Careful dealing with people especially with your success. Get an attorney in any dealings and sign NOTHING!! And TRUST NOBODY...especially in these times ..sadly. Love You So Much ..Thank You...❤❤❤❤❤

[@kellihickey4325]

Oh .... also...what a HUGE CHANGE watching you blossom from being so shy and not quite believing in yourself...to this confident and gorgeous woman who has perfected her art and has so much integrity and such a serious and strong work ethic. You put so much hard work and perfection in everything you do. Your just INCREDIBLE!! THANK YOU MARIA!! ❤YOUR SIS OLGA AS WELL. ❤❤❤

[@miastrongarayasunshine]

I guarantee you nobody notices you have an “uneven face” Maria. You are perfect ❣️

[@WillowintheWoods]

It’s scary the time and effort people are willing to put into an outcome that would hurt someone. Why not use that energy on a legitimate job? Thank goodness those companies came through and alerted you. Love the makeup, btw! But the most beautiful moments came with your interaction with Mila and the way you lit up when talking about teaching the garden class! 💖

[@WooHooCelery]

The scam likely would’ve consisted of you receiving a check for a higher amount than what you agreed for a brand deal. You’ll probably inform “Grace” that you’ve been paid too much and she’ll tell you that it’s ok, just deposit the check and wire back the difference. You’ll then deposit the check and wire the difference but the check will actually be bad so won’t clear and you’ll have actually wired your own money. Companies don’t pay in full until you fulfil the obligations of your contract so you being told that you’d be paid seven days before the posting date is intended to create urgency.

[@thejammiestjam]

Yeah, I had similar thoughts about how the scam would show up after you "get paid" and lose your own money. The overpayment is a common tactic.

[@JaneDoe-lq3du]

A friend’s father in law had this “overpayment” scam done to him last year. He was literally sitting in a hospital waiting for chemo treatment when the scammer called 😡😡😡. Can you imagine taking advantage of a confused senior cancer patient? Anyways, he didn’t tell any of his kids what was happening for a few days because he was trying to be independent and handle it himself. They got $16k out of him before he finally told his kids 😢 These scammers are ruthless and they prey on the vulnerable.

[@saxongalenski2119]

So f’d up man

[@katieb2011]

The brands reaching out to you personally show how much you are loved and cared for, so happy you were able to not get scammed!

[@sms5807]

Don’t overthink it. Scammers are evil and they scam anyone without caring if they are pregnant, elderly, in the military, etc. And just don’t respond. Thank god some of your sponsors were so helpful and responsible.

[@roisin3876]

Honestly super grateful those companies had your back. Obviously they were protecting themselves too but I'm glad they reached out to offer their advice.

[@jeanettehirst9521]

Mila when she notices the camera 🤣 you will be the best garden mom! You have been “teaching” all of us for years!!! You’re a natural teacher.

[@Ber.itsCold]

I'm a photographer and we get scammers like this all the time. There are 2 ways it could have happened, but they're very similar. Most likely, you would get a check and it would be for more than determined. The check would be completely fake, and she would either contact you and say she found out it was for too much, or wait for you to do so. She'd say it's ok and to still deposit the money, then wire the difference. The check wouldn't clear since it's fake (not good because you'd be flagged for fraud by your bank) and you'd have wired your own money. Alternatively, they would ask for some sort of account details as your manager whether that was a bank and they were straight forward or a brand account, or like you letting them into your past deals, and they would try to hack your Venmo/zelle/paypal/bank/etc. They also probably asked to see your past contracts because they wanted to steal the wording, and THAT is most likely why YOUR emails sounded so good from them. They stole those too or even just used chat GPT or similar AI So glad you didn't go through with it!!

[@anastasiavavina1513]

agree, I'm a makeup artist and that's how they scam us too!

[@stephaniefranco3548]

And the reason they wanted to pay Maria before sending her the product is because there was never any product - the scam occurs when the money is exchanged. Grace Fisher would have likely just blocked Maria after doing the fake check scam. Maria I'm so glad you got out of that situation in time!

[@pierrebernard7665]

Who the hell uses checks in 2024? People still get fooled by this?

[@woudgy]

​@@pierrebernard7665lots of freelancers are still paid by check

[@anastasiavavina1513]

@@pierrebernard7665 people do want money so sometimes fall into this yes

[@copiebb]

She was probably going to ask for your bank information so she could direct deposit the money ahead of time, but instead she would probably withdraw your money. Glad you called that company!

[@jaimeelizabethe6838]

100% is what I think would have happened.

[@jmyers5908]

With a sort code and account number you can only put money in... This was possibly a money laundering attempt. She'd accidentally send too much and as Maria to return the money but it's actually being sent to a different account. Then Maria never gets the money back etc

[@darceymcmanus5931]

That’s what I was thinking.

[@mikel1199]

"I let her on my previous account emails." 13:31 That's certainly one way she got information out of you for an identity theft situation. You might want to put extra security features on all your banking information and credit reports, and even consult with an attorney. Sorry this happened to you Maria!

[@annieway35]

Agreed. Probably should freeze your credit reports too. It's easy, you do it online with each credit agency. Just click the freeze button.

[@lucaraposo53]

Mila noticing the camera was SOOOOO cute, Maria, omg 😭

[@moonskimmer]

I could listen to a million story times by you! (sorry about almost getting scammed, though!) ❤

[@NamasteCC]

Hey Masha! Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m a law school graduate and fell for a LinkedIn scam for a few thousand dollars. I felt so dumb. I’m so happy you caught on and that your business partners looked out for you. I really admire how financially savvy you are and how frugal you are. You are a good steward of your possessions and know how to stretch a dollar. I was wondering if you could make a series on this?

[@hannsolo8]

Imagine your child comes home from school one day & says ' mom, your favorite asmr girl taught my class how to garden today ' ❤ this is the sweetest. Looking back at all you endured emotionally, physically and mentally the past year (of which you shared with us), I'm just so happy to see you in such a happier, healthier light. You are glowing, truly. You seem so in your element these days & I rings true 💙 happy and settled brightens you 💙❤️

[@noimkat]

the email being so genuine and lengthy sounds exactly like what was put in the AI prompt that most likely wrote it :(

[@SassyMashaVlogs]

You're right, which makes it even sadder, because it felt so personal 😢

[@arabellat]

this video was just another reminder to me of how old mila is now... I still think of her as being a little toddler, it feels like just recently that she was born I can't believe how grown she is! she seems like such a bright little girl I'm sure you and Darryl are so proud!❤

[@adrianbceleste]

I think you talking about being really passionate teaching young children is really a full-circle moment that has actually been foreshadowed before...by you. I mean, you teach us things all the time, yes through a lens but yoy have also said you feel like you're talking to us when you're filming. And it was right after Mila was born, I believe, where you posted a video and in a heartfelt moment comfessed that you could only view everyone around you as a child, like the children that they once were. So even if you don't necessarily go into teaching full force, I have a feeling there will be a lot of volunteering in your future, specifically with children. I hope whatever happens it remains as exciting and fulfilling as it is right now for you. Love you, Maria!

[@calliewakefield751]

I think everyone has been duped at some point, but at least you caught yourself! OMGosh Mila is the absolute cutest!!! She’s going to be the best big sister! 🩵🩷🩵🩷

[@shelbydotorg]

hi maria! i loved your tidbit at the end about gardening class. just wanted to share that my mom was my girl scout troop leader when i was younger, and she ended up being my leader until i graduated from high school. we did so many cool activities together and they are some of my favorite memories! something to consider for mila!

[@pockyeatingpanda]

I loved Girl Scouts! I only did it while I was young but we did bracelet and jewelry making, gardening, making trail mix and treats, it was so fun!

[@nyk0l3tt3]

I loved girl scouts!! I got to have so many amazing experiences because of it- archery, horseback riding, camping, day camp, ice skating, water parks, and selling cookies actually teaches kids the value of a dollar and business sense in addition to how to speak with "clients." I can't recommend girl scouts enough!!! My friends and I would meet every Tuesday after school just in the school library. I did it all through high school. Loved loved it. My mom was the "cookie mom" which is less time intensive than being the leader, but when I got to high school she took over since the old leader quit.

[@calyppy]

Scammers are getting better and better - I’m 37 and thought that I was pretty savvy and I literally fell for a scam yesterday! Fortunately no damage done I caught it quickly, but man, they are slippery 😡

[@maeg.9123]

What was the scam?

[@calyppy]

@ a text scam - I had traveled out of state and the tolls were billed to me. I got a text saying pay your bill or get fined. In hindsite there were a lot of little red flags, but the website, the logo, the wording felt really legit.

[@maeg.9123]

@@calyppy Thanks, just trying to keep myself informed

[@donnachiatto]

Mila has grown so much omg!! That's my online niece right there!! 😁

[@jpdza2881]

Mila is literally your twin !!! Outside and inside !!! She is glowing with love and light just like her mama

[@nessy4424]

I’m a long time Gentle Whispering listener, the Sassy Masha blogs have brought so much comfort during high energy times. I’m not on IG or TikTok, and would not have heard of Romand if it weren’t for Maria. Holding off on checking out their website or making a purchase until they give our girl a sponsorship!

[@xtinecuisine]

Every Sassy Masha upload is such a fun surprise 🥰

[@CourtneyAnnM]

Maria, I just want to say that I have always admired and envied how well you do your makeup! It's always so flattering and subtle for your skin tone, face shape, etc. and looks fresh and natural while enhancing your already stunning features. I've watched other makeup artists on YT do crazy elaborate work, but it is not something I think I will ever have a talent for. However, watching your grwm routines, it feels so attainable for the average person just looking for a simple, everyday look.

[@karynlord1]

I would LOVE an asmr video where Maria is the school teacher and we're the students!!! Some of my most memorable asmr moments from my childhood took place in school, around 2nd grade when the teacher would come to my desk to help me with something, and whisper to me softly to not disturb the rest of class. It was magical ✨️💫

[@chloeroberts2138]

This is such a good suggestion I can’t wait for all the likes as it was only 3 hours ago, I’m sure this will be liked!! xx

[@Orchidaceous1]

She does have one where she teaches Russian. It’s one of her older ones and it’s really lovely!

[@jenniferkeller6367]

Oh my goodness, sweet little Mila! It's so cute to see her little personality shining through. Thank you for sharing all that you do with us. We love and appreciate you and your family. :)

[@jaimeelizabethe6838]

Imagine if people put this much time and effort into getting and keeping a real job. Glad you did not get scammed! Can't be too careful nowadays!

[@StaceylovesJesus]

You're a blessing Maria and your daughter is adorable. 🌸

[@alisonsmith4016]

Mila is Everything!! You’re So Blessed!! 🦋💫💙

[@danielleshepherd5678]

I think the kids would love an asmr class. You bring things that make asmr sounds, crinkles and tapping etc , maybe some recorded sounds .I think that would be amazing for them to learn things to help them relax and calm down, a skill that took me many years to figure out. All the best to you and your family Masha ✌❤

[@butterpecanrican_]

OMG I can't believe how big Mila has gotten! She's so grown! Also, you would make an AMAZING teacher! I think you should go for it.

[@TheDianaBella]

I hope we get to see some advent calendar unboxings again this year 🫶🏻

[@Kat-ls7117]

You will never disappear to your true fanbase 💕 take all the time you need!!! Wishing you all the best ✨

[@rfrazar]

She probably had a plan for the next phase of scamming.. she roped you in by not asking for anything, but offering you something that “baited” you… then after working together, she would’ve constructed a story, once she had your trust, that would’ve required you to give some information or something that would give her access to your money. So glad you avoided that trouble!!! We all love you Maria ❤❤❤

[@BuriedTeeth]

Yup, sounds like a long con. Scams are getting more elaborate. Stay vigilant everyone!

[@AMarie_USA]

Amazing, glad you did not fall for it. Scammers are more sophisticated today and they persevere and count on others not looking into things or sort of quitting and giving in to them.

[@JenQ_1]

My husband and I were recently scammed. It was the most elaborate, detailed, believable scam we’ve ever experienced. We didn’t even know scams like this existed. Everyone we’ve told has been absolutely awestruck at the level of detail and effort these people went through. I feel your pain, except I also lost money. It’s been rough. My heart goes out to you too ❤

[@maeg.9123]

Do you mind sharing what they did?

[@JenQ_1]

@ TLDR: scammers pretended to be our State Medical Board, the FBI, and other government bodies accusing my husband of drug trafficking and money laundering. We gave away $60k. This is going to be a long comment, but I promise you it’s the short version of this story. It took my husband 3 hours to tell the whole thing to the real FBI. I’m leaving out many details that add more convincing power to this story. This sounds completely fantastical, but it happened. We are not dumb people. We know what scams look like. This didn’t look like any scam we’d ever heard of… In May, my husband and I were led to believe by the Arkansas State Medical Board, FBI, DOJ, Department of the Treasury, and other government bodies, that his identity and medical credentials were stolen and used to buy, sell, and traffic millions of dollars worth of narcotics across the Mexico/Texas boarder. The FBI claimed that they discovered an abandoned car on the other side of the Mexican border containing the drugs and shredded bank statements that had my husband’s name on them. They thoroughly convinced us through paper work and receipts with official gov seals, water marks, and real signatures of the heads of all these departments (we looked it all up), fake bank records with my husbands name, providing sensitive info like his medical license number, NPI number, SS number, every address he’s ever lived at, every phone number he’s ever been associated with, and more. They even called us from the numbers of these institutions and even had voicemails set up for them! We later learned that you can spoof phone numbers. The FBI started out by treating my husband as their “prime suspect”, threatening that they’d pick him up and take him to a west Texas prison. After consulting with the “DOJ”, they decided that he was most likely set up and turned him into an informant for the “case”. As a show of good faith, they made him buy a returnable $18,000 government bond, all with the caveat that in the eyes of the FBI, he might still be guilty and go to prison. They made him sign a contract with the FBI that he would be an informant, buy this bond, and be bound under the Privacy Act of 1974 which basically means he cannot release any information to a third party (that includes me) for fear of ruining any investigation present*. After seven days, all $18,000 was back in our bank account. This is how they gained our trust. After a few more weeks, they presented us with info that the “department of the treasury’s financial crimes enforcement network” had found evidence of malware attempting to get into our personal accounts. They suggested from here that we send them large amounts of our money for safe keeping with the intent to return after the “bad guys” had been caught. At this point we trusted them, so we wired a total of about $60,000 for “safe keeping” over the course of 3 months. During this three month period, the “lead investigator” was in contact with my husband EVERY. DAY. giving him details on the case, asking questions, sending him pictures of people who were known to be connected to cartels in our area, telling us that whoever did this was close to us and sent my husband lists of people in our family and our friends asking if we suspected any of them… this made us both extremely paranoid and suspicious of everyone we knew. They even sent him pictures of the abandoned car with the millions of dollars worth drugs that were stolen. Of course, this was all a lie… Come August, the lead investigator has told my husband that the case is closed, that the people are in prison, and that we’ll be receiving our money back in 10-12 days along with a packet of all the case info that he’d be happy to walk us through. Well, 12 days pass and nothing. We contact the investigator again and he comes up with a believable excuse and promised us it’s coming. 2 more weeks go by, and he gives us another excuse…another couple weeks and at this point my husband is texting the guy every other day… My husband started to get a sinking feeling. I hadn’t yet, though, because in my mind, if it was a scam this wouldn’t be over, they’d still be milking us for more money AND they wouldn’t have given us back the initial $18,000. Well, my husband finally broke and told his therapist the story. The therapist told him it sounded fishy and to go to our local FBI office and report that he was afraid he may have been a victim of a large scale financial crime by people pretending to be the FBI. Turns out it was all and freaking scam… The FBI said they may or may not investigate because these things happen so so often. The only thing that might spur them on is that they pretended to be the FBI. For future reference, the FBI will never ask you to wire money to them EVER, and second, they use the word “subject” not “suspect” lol also they’ll probably just show up at your door and not call you. It was a very expensive lesson learned, but at least my husband is safe, I’m safe, no ones hurt, and now we can move forward. *Because of the Privacy Act, we didn’t tell any of our friends or family about what was going on. He really couldn’t even tell me! I was in the house when the initial call was received, but after the second day, my husband kept me in the dark with a lot of it. This was by far the worst part of it all. For months, I thought my husband might go to prison for life, that we were being investigated and surveilled by the FBI, and I couldn’t tell anyone because I thought it would incriminate my him. These people made us suspect our family, our friends, coworkers, EVERYONE and it drove us mad. This was by far the worst part. It was pure psychological torture.

[@JenQ_1]

@@maeg.9123 TLDR: scammers pretended to be our State Medical Board, the FBI, and other government bodies accusing my husband of drug trafficking and money laundering. We gave away $60k. This is going to be a long comment, but I promise you it’s the short version of this story. It took my husband 3 hours to tell the whole thing to the real FBI. I’m leaving out many details that add more convincing power to this story. This sounds completely fantastical, but it happened. We are not dumb people. We know what scams look like. This didn’t look like any scam we’d ever heard of… In May, my husband and I were led to believe by our State Medical Board, FBI, DOJ, Department of the Treasury, and other government bodies, that his identity and medical credentials were stolen and used to buy, sell, and traffic millions of dollars worth of narcotics across the Mexico/Texas boarder. The FBI claimed that they discovered an abandoned car on the other side of the Mexican border containing the drugs and shredded bank statements that had my husband’s name on them. They thoroughly convinced us through official looking and extensive paper work and receipts with official gov seals, water marks, and real signatures of the heads of all these departments (we looked it all up), fake bank records with my husbands name, providing sensitive info like his medical license number, NPI number, SS number, every address he’s ever lived at, every phone number he’s ever been associated with, and more. They even called us from the numbers of these institutions and even had voicemails set up for them! We later learned that you can spoof phone numbers. The FBI started out by treating my husband as their “prime suspect”, threatening that they’d pick him up and take him to a west Texas prison. After consulting with the “DOJ”, they decided that he was most likely set up and turned him into an informant for the “case”. As a show of good faith, they made him buy a returnable $18,000 government bond, all with the caveat that in the eyes of the FBI, he might still be guilty and go to prison. They made him sign a contract with the FBI that he would be an informant, buy this bond, and be bound under the Privacy Act of 1974 which basically means he cannot release any information to a third party (that includes me) for fear of ruining any present investigation*. After seven days, all $18,000 was back in our bank account. This is how they really gained our trust. After a few more weeks, they presented us with info that the “department of the treasury’s financial crimes enforcement network” had found evidence of malware attempting to get into our personal accounts. They suggested from here that we send them large amounts of our money for safe keeping with the intent to return after the “bad guys” had been caught. At this point we trusted them, so we wired a total of about $60,000 for “safe keeping” over the course of 3 months. During this three month period, the “lead investigator” was in contact with my husband EVERY DAY giving him details on the case, asking questions, sending him pictures of people who were known to be connected to cartels in our area, telling us that whoever did this was close to us and sent my husband lists of people in our family and our friends asking if we suspected any of them… this made us both extremely paranoid and suspicious of everyone we knew. They even sent him pictures of the abandoned car with the millions of dollars worth drugs. Of course, this was all a lie… Come August, the lead investigator has told my husband that the case is closed, that the people are in prison, and that we’ll be receiving our money back in 10-12 days along with a packet of all the case info that he’d be happy to walk us through. Well, 12 days pass and nothing. We contact the investigator again and he comes up with a believable excuse and promised us it’s coming. 2 more weeks go by, and he gives us another excuse…another couple weeks and at this point my husband is texting the guy every other day and getting a sinking feeling. I wasn’t too suspicious yet because in my mind, the government is so slow, and if it was a scam this wouldn’t be over, they’d still be milking us for more money AND they wouldn’t have given us back the initial $18,000. Well, my husband finally broke and told his therapist the story. The therapist told him it sounded fishy and to go to our local FBI office and report that he might be a victim on a large scale financial crime. Turns out it that was exactly what it was. The FBI officer was so nice to my husband y’all 😭 she listened so patiently for 3 hours while he spilled everything that happened. She said it was the most elaborate scheme she’s ever heard. She also said that she’d write up the report, but that it would be a long shot if the FBI actually investigated it. More than likely these people weren’t even in the country, our money was so gone, and scams happen all the time. The only thing that miiight spur them on to investigate is that they were impersonating the FBI, and nothing makes the FBI more mad than people pretending to be the FBI lol For future reference, the FBI will never ask you to wire money to them EVER, and second, they use the word “subject” not “suspect” lol also they’ll probably just show up at your door and not call you. It was a very expensive lesson learned, but at least my husband is safe, I’m safe, no ones hurt, and now we can move forward. *Because of the Privacy Act, we didn’t tell any of our friends or family about this. He really couldn’t even tell me! I was in the house when the initial call was received, but after the second day, my husband kept me in the dark with a lot of it. This was by far the worst part of it all. For months, I thought my husband might go to prison for life, that we were being investigated and surveilled by the FBI, and I couldn’t tell anyone because I thought it would incriminate my him. These people made us suspect our family, our friends, coworkers, EVERYONE and it drove us mad. This was by far the worst part. It was pure psychological torture.

[@JenQ_1]

@@maeg.9123 TLDR: scammers pretended to be our State Medical Board, the FBI, and other government bodies accusing my husband of drug trafficking and money laundering. We gave away $60k. This is going to be a long comment, but I promise you it’s the short version of this story. It took my husband 3 hours to tell the whole thing to the real FBI. I’m leaving out many details that add more convincing power to this story. This sounds completely fantastical, but it happened. We are not dumb people. We know what scams look like. This didn’t look like any scam we’d ever heard of… In May, my husband and I were led to believe by our State Medical Board, FBI, DOJ, Department of the Treasury, and other government bodies, that his identity and medical credentials were stolen and used to buy, sell, and traffic millions of dollars worth of narcotics across the Mexico/Texas boarder. The FBI claimed that they discovered an abandoned car on the other side of the Mexican border containing the drugs and shredded bank statements that had my husband’s name on them. They thoroughly convinced us through official looking and extensive paper work and receipts with official gov seals, water marks, and real signatures of the heads of all these departments (we looked it all up), fake bank records with my husbands name, providing sensitive info like his medical license number, NPI number, SS number, every address he’s ever lived at, every phone number he’s ever been associated with, and more. They even called us from the numbers of these institutions and even had voicemails set up for them! We later learned that you can spoof phone numbers. The FBI started out by treating my husband as their “prime suspect”, threatening that they’d pick him up and take him to a west Texas prison. After consulting with the “DOJ”, they decided that he was most likely set up and turned him into an informant for the “case”. As a show of good faith, they made him buy a returnable $18,000 government bond, all with the caveat that in the eyes of the FBI, he might still be guilty and go to prison. They made him sign a contract with the FBI that he would be an informant, buy this bond, and be bound under the Privacy Act of 1974 which basically means he cannot release any information to a third party (that includes me) for fear of ruining any present investigation*. After seven days, all $18,000 was back in our bank account. This is how they really gained our trust. After a few more weeks, they presented us with info that the “department of the treasury’s financial crimes enforcement network” had found evidence of malware attempting to get into our personal accounts. They suggested from here that we send them large amounts of our money for safe keeping with the intent to return after the “bad guys” had been caught. At this point we trusted them, so we wired a total of about $60,000 for “safe keeping” over the course of 3 months. During this three month period, the “lead investigator” was in contact with my husband EVERY DAY giving him details on the case, asking questions, sending him pictures of people who were known to be connected to cartels in our area, telling us that whoever did this was close to us and sent my husband lists of people in our family and our friends asking if we suspected any of them… this made us both extremely paranoid and suspicious of everyone we knew. They even sent him pictures of the abandoned car with the millions of dollars worth drugs. Of course, this was all a lie… Come August, the lead investigator has told my husband that the case is closed, that the people are in prison, and that we’ll be receiving our money back in 10-12 days along with a packet of all the case info that he’d be happy to walk us through. Well, 12 days pass and nothing. We contact the investigator again and he comes up with a believable excuse and promised us it’s coming. 2 more weeks go by, and he gives us another excuse…another couple weeks and at this point my husband is texting the guy every other day and getting a sinking feeling. I wasn’t too suspicious yet because in my mind, the government is so slow, and if it was a scam this wouldn’t be over, they’d still be milking us for more money AND they wouldn’t have given us back the initial $18,000. Well, my husband finally broke and told his therapist the story. The therapist told him it sounded fishy and to go to our local FBI office and report that he might be a victim on a large scale financial crime. Turns out it that was exactly what it was. The FBI officer was so nice to my husband y’all 😭 she listened so patiently for 3 hours while he spilled everything that happened. She said it was the most elaborate scheme she’s ever heard. She also said that she’d write up the report, but that it would be a long shot if the FBI actually investigated it. More than likely these people weren’t even in the country, our money was so gone, and scams happen all the time. The only thing that miiight spur them on to investigate is that they were impersonating the FBI, and nothing makes the FBI more mad than people pretending to be the FBI lol For future reference, the FBI will never ask you to wire money to them EVER, and second, they use the word “subject” not “suspect” lol also they’ll probably just show up at your door and not call you. It was a very expensive lesson learned, but at least my husband is safe, I’m safe, no ones hurt, and now we can move forward. *Because of the Privacy Act, we didn’t tell any of our friends or family about this. He really couldn’t even tell me! I was in the house when the initial call was received, but after the second day, my husband kept me in the dark with a lot of it. This was by far the worst part of it all. For months, I thought my husband might go to prison for life, that we were being investigated and surveilled by the FBI, and I couldn’t tell anyone because I thought it would incriminate my him. These people made us suspect our family, our friends, coworkers, EVERYONE and it drove us mad. This was by far the worst part. It was pure psychological torture.

[@JenQ_1]

@@maeg.9123 1/5 TLDR: scammers pretended to be our State Medical Board, the FBI, and other government bodies accusing my husband of drug trafficking and money laundering. We gave away $60k. This is going to be a long comment chain, but I promise you it’s the short version of this story. It took my husband 3 hours to tell the whole thing to the real FBI. I’m leaving out many details that add more convincing power to this story. This sounds completely fantastical, but it happened. We are not dumb people. We know what scams look like. This didn’t look like any scam we’d ever heard of…

[@timfahey7127]

Thank you for thinking of us . Congrats on the new addition to your family.❤

[@sms5807]

I love Sassy Masha videos!! They help me relax as much as Gentle Whispering. Thank you!

[@stephanieesquivel6764]

Seems like she would've asked for your bank account info to "pre-pay" you. Happy you didn't fall into it! It'll probably be best to verify employment at agencies before entertaining any emails ❤

[@joanleary]

Hi Maria! This is so interesting. Thank you for sharing I work at a bank. You glossed over a part about “payoffs” going through her. With certain information, she could have drained your accounts. Would need to know more but I’m so glad to hear someone gave you good advice Congrats on new baby coming! So happy and excited for you guys

[@pierrebernard7665]

Nice of the brands you worked for to have warned you, if the brands keeping youtubers alive are decent people like that, there may be hope for this platform ^^ And those scammers, they're the worst byproduct of the hustle culture there is. No empathy whatsoever, they don't care who or how much they hurt as long as they get the money. Glad you dodged the bullet ;)

[@Karen_notkarening]

Remember..we love you... always put yourself and your family first. We will be fine.

[@SoyChaiLatte91]

I see so much of you and your mom in Mila! So beautiful! Excited to see what your little prince will look like!!

[@melisamorris2858]

You and Mila are so beautiful! Love your videos. It makes me sad that someone would do the scammer stuff to you. I'm so thankful you did not get scammed! Thank you for all that you do Masha. мы тебя любим! ❤

[@nehaverghis4745]

Awwww!!!! Mila coming in was the BEST PART EVERRR!!! 😭❤❤ She's so polite, so vivacious, so charming and sooo outgoing! She's a light! Just those few seconds were enough to see how much she has grown and how she has turned into a beautiful little girl! ❤ Proud of you, Maria and Darryl for raising her so beautifully! She's going to be the BEST older sister to her little brother!! Lots of LOVE and HUGS from India! XOXO ❤❤

[@bethjones6128]

Your daughter is so beautiful and sweet! She has so much joy in her ❤️ And no wonder, she has a great mama!!!

[@momoratime2956]

thank you for sharing your story! i work in fraud prevention kicking scammers like this off of my company's platform all day long. i'm so glad to hear you're safe!

[@schwomps]

I'm so glad you got out of that situation! They may have been trying to steal your personal information like address and banking information to create accounts using that data. Even if they did send you a small amount beforehand to get banking info, just having that could allow them to do so much damage to your credit and bank accounts

[@nhouse7962]

Glad you were not fully scammed! And I just love that you are a garden mom for Mila's class! That is so fun!!

[@Paper.bootsmkt]

Omg! I cannot believe how big Maria’s daughter is, I swear just last month she was a baby! So exciting for ur growing family!!

[@m3allinaa]

Как же мне нравятся подобные видео от вас,понимаю что на русском такого не будет,но как бы было классно послушать какие то истории о вашей жизни,что то обсудить,прям люблю такое,Мила такая большая уже,очень милая ☺️

[@daniellez2211]

You have such a genuine, nurturing spirit. I think you'd be a phenomenal teacher! My home wasn't abusive or anything, there wasn't much warmth, though. But I was really lucky to have some really lovely, kind educators, and I can't overstate how they made a difference to me.

[@kellybarker8100]

So cute seeing Mila pop in. I followed your journey while pregnant with her/ as a new mum too. Please post more about your current pregnancy and family life I love the updates ❤️ Ps. My hubby and I have watched your asmr channel for about 9 years now. Love from New Zealand

[@Olivia-oh6ok]

Enjoyed the upload :) glad you didn’t get scammed!! Maybe she was playing the long game. Like maybe she was gonna get you some higher rates with your existing contracts, and get in your good faith. Then after that success, there would’ve been some hook, some contract or something or access to your information that you would’ve been more likely to give. 🤷 It’s enlightening to hear people’s experiences like this so thank you!

[@rachellestevens6916]

Don’t beat yourself up Maria, scams are much more complex these days. I was careful and still got caught but I’m so glad you didn’t.

[@StoriesForKidswithMissB]

As a teacher myself, and a mum, I adored your gardening story 🥰

[@SpiciestLemon]

Congratulations on the second baby Maria! Mila will be such a great big sister❤

[@santomorosini7743]

I love the little snippets you give us in your videos of your life being a mother. It reminds me of the relationship I had with my mother when I was young.

[@Colleenha83]

So beautiful Maria ❤even your normal speaking voice makes me feel so calm. Love and light to you, Mila, Daryl and baby bump x

[@debrakintzing8914]

You dodged a bullet, sweet Maria. So glad you moved on and didn't get scammed, you don't deserve it. Stay strong for your new baby, Mama.

[@juliasoldo2129]

Your GRWM videos are always my favourite. ❤

[@Feetjelies]

I am not surprised that you like teaching!!! I can imagine it is so you, creativity, sensitivity, curiousness, enthousiastic, so nice ❤️

[@Above_Parr]

Wow well never disagree from my recommended , proud to say it’s full of you!!!! ❤️ love you!!!

[@amberzorn279]

Im so sorry that happened to you. Such a relief that those companies spoke up about their concerns. I hope you know we will always be here even if you need a break, we will understand.

[@cortsport]

Ive never been so relaxed listening to someone getting scammed lol

[@kennyblare1734]

Wait what?! Mila is a big sister now? Omg I had no idea!! Maria I'm so happy for you and Darryl. So proud of you and you did everything exactly the right way and I've been watching you since the furniture store. You're incredible.

[@emilies.]

Your partners are wonderful to have warned you about that scam! It can happen to anyone of us, so I hope you're not beating yourself up about it ❤

[@isabelabga]

Omg Mila looks so big and beautiful 😭😍😍😍😍😍 I still remember when you announced being pregnant with her and now theres another angel on the way and omg 😍😍😍😍

[@Avaprincess8600]

Love these simple ramble talking videos. So comforting

[@AuntieMamies]

You are absolutely glowing. Without your makeup on even you just look radiant. Pregnancy looks good on you, girl

[@Susiesumo]

Omg! That was the absolute cutest thing I have ever seen 😊 Mila looking at the camera and saying, Oh Hi 👋! 😂 loved it 😍

[@tbunnyshy1]

This was awesome 😎 Great to see you! ❤

[@abrosal]

Mila is too precious! She looks just like you!

[@sabrinaandcompany]

You should consider being a Girl Scout Leader! I found that I enjoyed working with children too and was very fulfilled with our weekly troop meetings and other activities and events that we planned. I was one for 7 years and was so fulfilled and loved watching them grow year after year and knowing that I would forever be a part of their fun memories.

[@TheWintergarden88]

I love these videos because your natural voice is actually so tingly. 😊

[@wendyvanderboon4245]

Dear Maria, we are still here when you take time off for your family! You have more than enough great video's out there. Take care of you love, you deserve it.❤

[@prettylife101]

I bought two rom&nd pallets because of you! I’m deeper complexion and they have something for everyone

[@debralynnpaxton5238]

Awwwwww....Bless you, baby girl, Daddy, and baby-on-the-way ❤❤❤❤

[@Alewxx]

Unbelievable how much mila has grown, time just flys.

[@myabarnes9054]

I’m just honestly so happy that you decided to share yourself with us 😭😭❤️❤️ You are truly one of a kind! And Mila is gorgeousssssssss!!!!

[@rebecca-glutarama]

This was a wonderful video to watch *apart from the scammed bit! You're adorable and such a kind soul. I love your positive energy.

[@feelingcreativewallace]

Ah! Thank you again for sharing, I enjoy learning from you. And thank you for allowing us to see you with your daughter- it was so sweet. Happy to see you both grow ♥️

[@raerae2885]

You would be the best elementary teacher ever!

[@Violeteyes93]

Oh my god she's gotten so big! I've been watching you for so many years and I remember your pregnancy with her :). im so sorry that this happened but I'm so glad you did your research!

[@Emenord]

I think there is a reason people say that if you are ever to work with someone, you call the actual company and ask for the person, and have them connect you, no matter in what way.. Too many can easily facilitate this kind of scam, and you have posted about getting scammed a few times, which means you _can_ be targeted, sadly, Maria. Always trust that if that person isn't directly linked to the company, they don't have a linked profile, etc, they aren't official.

[@Kirbybaby]

mila was a baby like yesterday now she's got her own personality it's crazy! Still your little mini me though. Happy for you and happy you had those brands warning you about the scam.

[@eily_b]

If someone contacts you pretending to represent a company, ALWAYS call or contact said company without that person knowing. If you tell them, they sometimes give you a phone number where some accomplice of them answers.

[@cherrywilson6267]

She has gotten so big! I love you are a garden parent, PERFECT job for you ❤️ I am glad you has some angels to give you the heads up on the scammer.

[@neelykirksey4415]

Love these type of Maria’s videos ❤

[@katarzynakoza4411]

So exited to see you like Eveline mascara! It's a Polish company, cruelty free, and some products are actually vegan. Also, Mila is amazing! 😍

[@forensicsgirl9]

I guess your phone was right that she was a scammer phone number. I am so glad you were smart and did your homework and trusted your gut! These scammers are getting smarter. No matter what, we will still be here for you and we have a huge amazing library to listen to even if you take a break. I listen to a lot of your older videos, I have my favorites. Wishing you all the best with your expanding family!!! Mila is so cute!!!!!! She must be so excited to be a big sister soon!

[@katelynwoods]

Oh, my Gosh Mila is so beautiful! 24:42

[@BooksWithLaura1]

Hi Mila!!! 👋