Charmed I'm sure

I fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Charmed by Lauren Anderson, is what he called himself. Colorado, Italian, working in Africa...etc. It only lasted a week, thank the Good Lord. Said his son's name is Frankie. He was a widower. Looking for love on Match.com. Next thing you know, he sends his "workers" to Europe for materials for his project. His "son" falls down some stairs, is "injured". "Lauren" has no money now because he has sent his cash with his workers, needs money to care for son. I didn't send money, of course. But I fell for the charm prior to this catch. So he is just looking for us divorced, single mom's, knowing the injured child will tug on our heart strings. He even let me talk to his "son". So beware to all you single women out there!

Welcome to ScamWarners VictorDog. We are glad you are here and glad that you didn't fall for the plea for funds. Yes scammers know how to pull you into their "story".

Do you have an email address or Instant Message ID that this scammer used? We find that having an email or IM helps others find your warning more easily. Thank you for posting this account.

He was on match.com, he was known there as MYVALS2011. On Yahoo, his email address was [email protected], here is a copy of his last email to me:

xxxxxx, I dont know about all what you have been saying about me talking to another woman and asking for money..I think i told you at the first place am really new to this online dating site and you are the first woman i am talking to on here..You really hurt my heart by doubting me.Why would you ever think i am trying to hurt you after all the love i have for you and all the sleepness night..And you are still doubting my love..xxxxx remember all the promise i made for you...I truly mean them.. I dont want you to allow the devil to come between us...You keep listening to what peoples says, why dont you follow your heart and I know your heart will lead you to the right place...Remember what the future teller told you 1996..xxxxxxx dont allow the devil to come between us...People you are listening to are only trying to break us apart..I know it;s not your fault,Its my fault asking you for a favor..I am sure if i did not, you wont be calling me names and hurting my feelings here..I want to ask you this questions..What are we friends for? is it a crime for me to share my problem with you if you dont want to help me you come straight and tell me and stop calling me a scam..Anyway since you decided to listen to what people says go ahead they are going to give you happiness and joy..I wish you good luck...I wont contact you again like you have said..I just want you to know that you will always be in my heart and my prayers..No one will ever take your place in my heart but I have to let you go since that is what is going to make you happy..

Good Luck to you and Hope you found a man that will love you like i do..

Lauren


removed poster's name -Jillian

This cost me a huge phone bill, so I hope others will be smarter than me.

Thanks for posting this! I was scammed by the same man, same name, same story, let me talk to his son....he was on Match.com under the name BEMYNEWYEARLUV and his email was [email protected], scary thing is that he not only has pictures of "him" posted, but he has pictures of his "son" as well. After he called asking for money, it freaked me out, literally scared me and I quit taking his calls, and even had to change my email address because he bombarded me with emails... he persisted with phone calls at all hours for a week, then I finally texted him and asked him to please never call again, he obviously moved on to you, so sorry you had to deal with this scum! I ended up with a $300.00 cell phone bill, but I figure it is money well-spent considering how much I could have lost!

I had no idea this type of thing went on, just recently divorced after 17 years, with a 10 year old - boy do I feel like a big loser!!

Welcome here btboop.

Actually, you're not a loser, but a winner! The scammer didn't get what he wanted, and that is your money! I am glad you didn't send this scammer money. And thanks for posting that information.

I just heard from another woman who this man charmed out of $3,000! He went by the name Michael Carlos. Still used his "son's" name of Frankie...

I haven't checked the total damages yet on my phone bill, but I think I will end up around $600....so for a military chick, I have been so stupid....long days at work and lonely nights have taken their toll on my sanity! Think I will just deploy, its safer.

VictorDog, you are not stupid at all. These criminals / scammers catch all kinds of people in their trap. You had no real way of knowing who you were talking to. You have done a GREAT thing by posting here so others might find out before sending money. You also are only out the phone bill. I am sorry it is so high. You have helped others just as when you serve your country by being here.

We are glad you are here, and please stay around and post up any other scams you come across. As David Jansen said to btboop, the scammer didn't get what he wanted. He wanted you to send him cash money. You found your way here and that is plenty smart!

I am so glad to see you post and reply. I know the anger u still feel and the shame to fall for such a scam. It will evolve into strength, and you will always now be aware. Read on the forum...when you have time.
And believe me you will recover...I now have 3000 as my lucky number now.
So put a positive spin on it, and recieve it as it is.
We dont expect such "scams" because we are not criminals. Our minds dont think of such things..only love. So dont beat yourself up ( you will for a while) but i know it will not happen to you again
When we Learn we Teach.
Good luck in Love...real love is out there.

And post phone numbers. I would post my scammers number... but i deleted it and wish i had not. It can be traced to origin or owner.

His phone number is Country code 011-234-812-128-3720. He will call you baby. Talk marriage quickly. All about love.....

Yes, love of taking money from people in an illegal manner. Thank you for posting additional information VictorDog! You are great.

Hi! I think I met this guy. Would someone happen to have a picture of him? I know he may not really be posting his real picture.

Never mind

The one thing you can be certain of is that his name is NOT Lauren Anderson. And if there is a female accomplice (possible, but not extremely likely), her name is not Betty. I haven't seen the blog you are referring to, but there are several real people named Lauren Anderson (all that I found were in fact women, not surprising since Lauren is a female name), a few who are in fact public figures (including a playboy centerfold, fairly high-ranking professionals, and a pretty well-known dancer) so the name could certainly come up in a blog that is completely unrelated to scamming.

If he sounds British, he is probably using a a soundboard on the phone, as the person behind those letters is not British. The writing is unmistakeably African. The fact that he chose a female name for his male character is another strong indicator that he is African--our names are unfamiliar to them, and they often can't tell the difference between first and last names or male and female names.

The people who are involved with him may be separate people, but those names are equally likely to be other aliases he uses. It's not difficult to play multiple characters--scambaiters do it all the time when baiting scammers too.

Filing a report with IC3 and posting the names, email addresses, and numbers are all good steps. You can help more by posting some of his letters (just remove your own info first), as those will most likely be scripts that he will continue to reuse even after he changes names.