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

Summary

Marie, a German woman, fell victim to an online romance scam, losing 130,000 euros to a man using a fake identity. Her journey to Nigeria for justice unfolds as she uncovers the scammer's true identity and faces him in court. Despite the emotional turmoil and legal setbacks, Marie's determination to confront her scammer and seek restitution is a testament to her resilience. The story highlights the psychological impact of such scams and the complexities of international cybercrime.

Takeaways

• 💔 Marie, a German woman, lost 130,000 euros in a 'romance scam' where she was deceived by a man using a fake identity.
• 🎣 The scammer used a typical 'catfishing' approach, making Marie believe in a genuine relationship before exploiting her financially.
• 📝 Marie has records of all the transfers she made under the scammer's pressure, amounting to substantial losses.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Despite the odds, Marie managed to uncover the scammer's true identity, which led her to seek justice in Nigeria.
• 📅 The scam began in 2018 with an innocent-looking message on Instagram, escalating into a deep emotional connection.
• 👤 The scammer portrayed himself as a divorced businessman with children, leveraging Marie's trust and vulnerability.
• 💰 The scammer manipulated Marie psychologically, initially asking for small amounts of money and gradually increasing the demands.
• 🇳🇬 Marie's pursuit of justice led her to Nigeria, where she faced unexpected delays and adjournments in the court process.
• 🗣️ Marie's experience with the German police was initially unsupportive, highlighting the challenges faced by scam victims in seeking help.
• 🔍 Marie's determination led her to gather evidence and expose the scammer's network, even engaging with Nigeria's financial crimes authority, EFCC.
• 🎨 The ordeal deeply affected Marie emotionally, using painting as a therapeutic outlet to regain her sense of self and clarity.
• 🔮 The script also delves into the cultural aspects of scamming in Nigeria, including the role of 'Juju' practices and the community of 'Yahoo Boys'.

Q & A

Who is Marie and what happened to her?

Marie is a German woman who lost 130,000 euros in an online 'romance scam'. She fell in love with a man using a fake identity, which is a typical scam known as 'catfishing' where fraudsters trick victims into believing they've found true love and then cheat them out of their money.

What is the significance of Marie working out the scammer's true identity?

Marie managed to identify her scammer's true identity, which is a rare achievement for victims of such scams. This allowed her to seek justice and confront the scammer in a Nigerian court, which is an unusual step that most victims are unable to take.

Why did Marie travel to Nigeria?

Marie traveled to Nigeria to seek justice for the money she lost in the scam. She came to a court in Nigeria to confront the man who scammed her and to possibly recover her lost funds.

What was Marie's initial impression of the man she met online?

Marie initially found the man charming and apologetic, as he introduced himself as a businessman wanting to collaborate with her. She was flattered by his compliments and didn't initially contemplate that the relationship might be fake.

How did the scammer manipulate Marie psychologically?

The scammer manipulated Marie by ghosting her after she questioned his request for money, causing her to worry and feel anxious. This psychological tactic made her more susceptible to his demands and less likely to question his actions.

What was the scammer's strategy to gain Marie's trust?

The scammer's strategy included sending fake documents like a passport, promising to pay her back quickly, and sharing personal stories to create an emotional bond. He also used the tactic of 'conquest mode', showering her with compliments to make her feel special.

What challenges did Marie face in the Nigerian court?

Marie faced delays and adjournments in the Nigerian court, which initially did not sit on the day she expected. She also had to deal with the uncertainty of whether the scammer would show up for their arranged meeting.

How did Marie's experience with the police in Germany affect her?

Marie's experience with the police in Germany was negative; they did not take her situation seriously and even made fun of her, which added to her feelings of guilt and self-criticism.

What role did the Nigerian EFCC play in Marie's case?

The Nigerian EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) was informed by Marie about the scammer and his network. They arrested the scammer, and their involvement helped expose the scam operation.

What is the significance of the Juju priest in the scammer's life?

The Juju priest is significant in the scammer's life as they provide spiritual support and prayers for the success of their fraudulent business. The priest is seen as a 'spiritual father' figure who can influence outcomes through rituals and prayers.

What was the outcome of Marie's court hearing in Nigeria?

The court hearing in Nigeria went well for Marie, as she was able to present her evidence and make her statement. Although the man had not yet been found guilty, Marie felt a sense of relief and release from the ordeal.