I was born into a family that believes in truth and sincerity. I grew up with this mentality to trust every person I encountered. I've never imagined that deceit exists. Sometimes last year, someone called me with a strange foreign number. I was skeptical to answer the call. He called back, and when I received the call, he started asking me about my mom, dad, and siblings. I pondered on it and asked who he was. He mentioned my cousin's name, (Victor). He said it was Brother Victor, my cousin, that gave him my number to call me. I asked what his name was; that I don't know him; he said, Ahhh, I won't know him; his name is Vincent, and that he is based in the UK. He was attending the same church with Brother Victor. He asked, "Am I not Victoria?" I am, I replied. Very good. Himself and Victor were discussing me and that he wants to marry me; he has started processing my visa; and he wanted to speak with my parents. I was very happy because it has been on my mind to travel out of the country, but I don't know how it will work out. I informed my parents about it. They were very happy and were thanking God for favor. Not quite long, he called again and spoke with my patents one after the other. Now listen to the conversation.
Vincent: Please give the phone to Mum. Good afternoon, Mum.
Mum: Good afternoon, my son.
Vincent: How are you doing, Mom, health, and family?
Mom: We are doing great.
Vincent: Alright, thank God for that. I just want to introduce myself to you. My name is Vincent.“ I am from Nnewi in Anambra State, from the family of Cletus Ibeto. Have you heard of that name before? I am based in the United States of America. I had a conversation with Mr. Victor, who lives in the UK as well. In fact, we are very close, which is why he recommended your daughter to me for marriage. I will come to Nigeria in December to see you people and to do the necessary things in the family.” Till then, Mum, bye, please give the phone to Dad.
Dad: Good afternoon, Dad, afternoon, my dear.
Vincent: How is your health, Dad?
Dad: I thank God for life.
Vincent: Alright, I’m happy to hear from you. Ehh, Dad, My name is Vincent, and I live in the UK. I am attending the same church with Victor, your nephew, who is here in the UK. I got your daughter’s number from him. He really commended your daughter to me for marriage as a girl who is from a good and God-fearing family background.
Dad: Well, it’s God’s doing.
Vincent: OK, Dad. I will love to marry her and bring her to the UK; from there, you will be visiting us in the UK. So, I will have leave in December and use the opportunity to visit Nigeria and do the needful.
Dad: Ok, my son, thank you so much. We are grateful.
Vincent: Please give the phone to your daughter.
Victoria: I love you so much; I cannot wait to marry you to myself. I love you too.
The following day, he called again and informed me that his younger brother was rushed to the hospital and that I should send him my account number so that he can deposit some money so that I can help him visit his brother in the hospital. I actually located the place and saw him on the hospital bed. According to him, I should quickly go to the private hospital (name withheld) and transfer the money for his treatment.
Not quite long ago I received an alert of 700,000 Naira. I thought in my heart that this man is a very prominent person. The money in my account was N1,200,400.33 Naira. I transferred the whole money to the so-called brother’s OPay account. Another alert of N300,000 was sent into my account the following day as the balance of the hospital bill and treatment. He then told me to transfer it to him, and I did. He informed me not to bother going there again. I concord.
He later sent a N100,000 alert and asked me to give my mom N40,000, give N30,000 to Dad, and also keep N30,000 as my pocket money. We were all happy without knowing that it was a fake alert that I was receiving. I checked my phone to know the balance; I noticed that my account was empty. I quickly rushed to the bank to check and to print the statement of account, and the money was daily contribution money that I use to go round and collect. I fainted in the bank two times. When I fainted, I saw a man with white apparel moving closer to me and holding my hand and lifting me up.
I woke up and saw myself being surrounded by people, and glucose, Lucozade Boost, etc. were ministered to me in the bank. I nearly ran mad. One of the bankers volunteered to follow me to the hospital where his so-called brother was admitted. On getting there, he was not in the hospital again. We went to the doctor, and he said that he had been discharged. I cried bitterly, but to no avail. The home address that he wrote in the hospital was a fake address.
We both headed to report to the police, and the police demanded N200,000 from us. We left the station. We looked for Bro. Victor’s phone number from his mom in the village, but Victor doesn’t know Vincent, and no one bears such a name in the church. Bro. Victor tried Vincent’s number, which was not reachable. I wept and wept. I was bombarded with calls from customers to receive their money.
So, in a nutshell, I stayed naked and cursed him seriously. Moreso, I went from junction to junction to beg for alms. Some gave, and some refused to give because they don’t believe my story. I later went from church to church to beg for assistance, and God delivered me. Thanks for reading.
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