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Like using an online dating service? Bad idea. Two teens that have met online and have a relationship? Eh, sketchy. Two people that have met in real life and see each other periodically, but primarily interact over the net? I think that's alright.

I don't think online dating is a good idea because of predators. You never know who they are or how old they really are online.

My story:

5-14-06

On April 15th, I met Albert Spencer on a online dating service for people with disabilities. We started exchanging e-mails through the website. He was luring me in. We started communicating through Yahoo IM. He typed sweet-nothings to me. A man who only knew my mind was attracted to me, or so I thought. We chatted every day. He said his parents had recently died tragically and he had to go to Canada to take care of their business. He told me when he got back we would meet. He wanted to marry me. He would ask if my attendants were treating me well. My fondness for him grew. One day he asked me for money. He said if he didn’t pay off these people, they were going to kill him. I told him to call the police and if he contacted me again, I’d call the police. If only I wised up at this point. He apologized profusely and said he just wanted to see if I cared. I told him that wasn’t any way to find out if I cared for him, this should have been a red flag. His sweet-talk pulled me in once again. He kept asking about my bank and my relationship to it. I should have found that odd, but by this time, I was thinking with my heart, not my mind. He then asked me if he could send me a check, I cash it and wire him the money through Western Union, so he could come see me. My heart was all aflutter. He asked me to send part of the money to Nigeria (it’s a big scam, please don’t send money to Canada or Nigeria) because he had to pay someone. Little did I know that I’d be the one paying, not only with my money, but with my heart also. The check came and I was off to the bank (heart on my sleeve). The reason I didn’t talk to anyone about this? I wanted to prove I was an adult and I could handle this by myself, boy I messed up! On April 28th, one of my friends took me to the bank, cashed the check (was surprised that they cashed a check for such a large amount: $3500). Albert did say they might hold it, but they didn’t (now I wish they had). My friend and I went to Western Union and completed the transactions. I wired $2500 to Albert Kumbert in Canada and $1500 to Morris Ugo in Nigeria, Lagos Ikeja. During this week, I received a e-mail from Albert’s personal assistant (supposedly) saying that Albert was on his way to visit me, was in a major accident and needed money. At this point, I was becoming suspicious, but I was holding out hope. On May 5th, I went to the bank to get some money to buy food. They told me that I couldn’t withdraw anything because the check had not cleared (weird). I went to the bank the next day with another friend (so happy she was with me). I wanted to withdraw some quarters for laundry money. They said I couldn’t because the check I cashed was counterfeit and my account had been frozen! They said I had to pay the $3500 or they’d take it out of my dad’s account (he and my brother are on my account). I felt nauseated because I only get Social Security due to my disability. If I weren’t sitting in my wheelchair, I would have fainted. Monday, May 8th, Albert contacted me again, supposedly from the hospital. When I told him about the counterfeit check, he said it was his client’s and knew nothing about it being counterfeit. He assured me he would pay me back by Wednesday. Sure, when pigs fly! I filed a police report. I was scared, I could have lost everything that I’ve worked so hard for. By God’s grace, my dad bailed me out.




Lessons Learned:
• Never do favors (especially concerning money) for anyone online
• Always think with your head, not your heart
• Investigate, don’t go on people’s word
• Seek wise counsel
• Trust the Lord, don’t lean on my own understanding

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3:5-7