Dr. Giovanni Amal Devanand

I was approached by Dr. Giovanni Amal Devanand on a dating site. I was approached on 4-21-13 and he told me "he was born in, Kent – Kent United Kingdom, but originated from Delhi India, but came back to the India with my parents at the age of 6. I left United Kingdom at the age of 16 to attend school in Paris, France. I lived in Paris for 6 years before relocating to Robert Gordon University Aberdeen Scotland where I had my Masters. Then after, my long stay abroad makes people to say I have French accent. This is all I can remember now that I have not told you but as long as I remember anything about me." One thing led to another and then he is telling me he is a surgeon for the United Nations stationed in Kabul, and contract coming to an end and wants to settle in San Francisco. However, before coming to San Francisco, he has to make a trip to Sudan. Sends me an email on letterhead with a copy of contract that he is going to purchase medical equipment for the Sudanese government and will receive $5million after it is all said and done. Underestimate shipping charges, need $$$, mother sick, and apparently dies, package in customs of the payment from the Sudan govt, need more money to get a diplomat to deliver the package to me. Claims he has a 21 year old daughter in college in London. multiple other times, need additional money to customs and lawyer and clearance certificates. Finally the red light went on in my head, don't think i will see a penny of my money. There were plenty of warning signs along the way, but i was totally blind. He is still waiting on me to send him additional $$$$. Keep beating myself over the head but it is all water under the bridge. Just want to warn other ladies on dating sites to please be careful.

Dear badlybitten,

I totally know what you are going through. If I'd had the $$ at the time I probably would have sent it too. Forgive yourself and delete everything he ever sent to you. Move on. And above all forgive yourself. I had hard time letting go - he said all of the right things for me and well, I fell for it hook, line and sinker.

Thanks for posting your experience. We need to look out for reach other.

hugs,
Arvitch

Could you post his initial emails, including headers? That will help others not be scammed by this person.

Welcome to Scamwarners, I am sorry to hear about your loss but glad you have the strength to share your story with others in the hope that they might avoid the same fate as yourself.

don't think i will see a penny of my money.

Sorry if this sounds harsh but you definitely won't and I am only confirming this because some scammers target victims of various scams claiming they are able to get your money back or offer you financial compensation for your loss. These all come at a price of course and are all scams too aimed at squeezing every remaining penny out of the victim so please do not entertain any such 'assistance.'

There were plenty of warning signs along the way, but i was totally blind.

Don't feel bad about this or be harsh on yourself I would say most human beings at some point in their life gave someone more love than they were worthy of receiving from them because love made them see something in someone that wasn't actually there. It is just a shame in your case the incident was more extreme than most but as you say 'water under the bridge' just block him from your life and move on. If you like the idea of warning others though please stick around here; your help will be appreciated

thank you for your replies. I am trying to move on with my life, but very difficult at times. He used a gmail account so the header info has the IP hidden. These guys are good, they do cover their tracks.