I’m not sure if this has already been posted (I searched the forum but didn’t find anything) or if this topic is allowed, but I was wondering what everyone’s personal stories are? As in, do you have a scam experience that you went through, possibly leading you to find this website and to the scambaiting community?
I'll start with mine. About 5-6 years ago, I really needed money to move back to California from Texas for various, crazy reasons. I was a single parent with extremely little money, and what money I did have was always taken by my mother and stepfather because I was forced to live with them (and I was trying to get away from them).
I was scouring the Internet to find ANY place or person that would lend me any amount of money, because my credit was so poor I couldn't get any through traditional means. I then found this website somehow that claimed they would loan me a few thousand dollars, and I ended up on the phone with them. They were typical Indian scammers, but I was desperate and naive and thought it was legit at the time.
They told me they would give me the loan, but first I had to pay an amount (about $300) to prove myself as trustworthy as my credit was so bad. They told me to go to Walmart and buy a GreenDot card with cash and to stay on the phone with them the whole time. The female cashier looked at me suspiciously, but didn't say a word to me or intervene.
Several red flags went up in my head, but I ignored them because I thought I was finally going to get my life back with this loan. As soon as I read them the code, I asked when I would get the money. They skirted around the question for a bit, and said I needed to pay MORE. I was upset and confused, and kept asking why I can't have my money since I already paid the fee they asked for. They never answered my question and kept asking me to send more money.
I then realized it was a scam and hung up. They tried calling me back several, several times and I ignored all of their calls. They even went as far as to call my workplace. And when another employee answered, they said it was for me and that it was my bank.
I then found a website where people went on to explain their stories of being scammed, and I felt so much better that I wasn't alone. But also sad that so many others were taken advantage of as well.
Then I found out that there are people who purposely call and waste these scammers' time, and even go as far as to destroy their computers and servers.
This website is a blessing, and I'm so glad to join the fight against these scumbag thieves!