Well, my aunt has got really sick I just need to help pay for medication. It's gonna cost $500. I really need your help. My bank account number is: 0789 6789 2354 1238. Thanks you so much 🥰💖👍👍
No! I'm not even Kevin! HA.
Sure! I'm sending it across now 😀! Can we meet at the park tomorrow?
What!? But you're my friend!
I must have been catfished! Someone pretended to be my friend and asked me for money. Now they've taken my money for their own gain. I feel sad and betrayed. I wonder how I can stop this from happening again?
Simon got a message from his old friend, Kevin, asking for money for his sick aunt. Simon thought this was real, but in the end, he found out they were actually an imposter. When Simon got catfished, he felt betrayed, anxious and depressed. As well as losing lots of money, these emotions impacted him long term. He now has great difficulty trusting people and making new friends.To stay protected online, you can use the following techniques:To verify someone is real ask to meet in person or start some kind of call.Don't accept sudden friend requests of people you don't know.Only share necessary information and no personal details.If you want to build a long relationship make sure they are trustworthy.