I am thankful that my story was shared. I am also grateful to everyone who took the time to read my story and leave comments. Most of the people who commented were not quick to judge me. That’s one thing I like about posting the story. I shared my story over a month ago and a lot has changed since then. So I am here with an update. I want to let you know that a lot has changed since then.

After I shared my story, my instincts were telling me I was being scammed. So I decided to follow my gut feeling after sharing the story. I chose to count my losses and forge ahead. It wasn’t easy considering he owed me money, some of which was not even mine to start with.

Regardless, I am happy to say that I have been able to pay back the debt I incurred when I took a loan from my friend for him. I know I should not have taken a loan for a man in the first place but I believe this is a lesson I needed to learn the hard way. And indeed, it taught me so much even if it meant I learned the hard way.

Javan tried to get in touch with me but I completely cut him off. Let it not be said of me that I gave too many chances to a guy who was scamming me just because I was in love with him and I was convinced he also loved me. I blocked him from reaching me on WhatsApp and I also blocked him from reaching me on my other socials. I also blocked him from calling and texting me. I just didn’t want him to have access to me. Just in case he comes up with those heartfelt cancer stories or funeral stories.

The other day I confided in a friend about him. She suggested that we try and find him online to see if he truly was a scammer. We first checked Twitter. When we typed his name, we came across a tweet that had his name in it. The person who made the tweet said whoever had that name conned him.

READ ALSO: How Do I Convince My Mum To Report My Dad To The Police?

As someone who sees the best in people no matter the circumstances, I even thought whoever the con artist was only had Java’s name but was a completely different person. It could either be the case of the same name, but different people, you know. Besides, people steal other people’s identities and use them for devious things. However, when I checked the number the poster attached to his tweet, it was Javan’s. In as much as I found out too late that I was dealing with a professional fraudster, I didn’t feel too bad about it. After all, I had already made my peace with the fact that I was being scammed.

A simple advice to my fellow ladies out there, when you meet a man and he seems to do all the right things and say all the right things, don’t be in a hurry to give him your heart. First, do your due diligence. Make all the background checks. Even if you have to snoop through his stuff and find whatever documents he might be hiding, please do it and find out what you need to know. Google them or go on social media if you have to. Don’t just take anyone at their word because they seem genuine. These creatures have a tendency to hide things that may ruin your life, for a long time if not forever.

In retrospect, Javan might have done worse if I hadn’t come to my senses early. Imagine what I would have done for him if I had kept falling for his sob stories and ignored all the red flags. Be very cautious in your dealings with men and people in general. Never think you know someone too well. Or that someone is too nice to lie to you. For all the people who wondered about my age, I am twenty-one. I just completed my university education. Thank you all for your kind words and support when my story was shared.

—Bonnie

If you have a compelling story to share with us, you can email it to us at [email protected] or send us a voice note on WhatsApp number 0593290182.

#SB