I’m talking to a woman online and sending her money – my kids think she’s conning me
DEAR DEIDRE: I’VE reconnected with a woman I met online before the pandemic, but my children will never give me their blessing. They think she is out to con me.
There are stories about scams, but this didn’t feel like one. The lady is African and she’s 38.
When we first met on the internet six years ago, she was studying for a degree.
She was doing so well, but then caught malaria and I sent her some money for her hospital treatment.
She said she would come and visit me when she passed her degree and the college would give her a bonus payment for graduating.
This sounded unusual, so I asked my daughter about it and she went mad, telling me I was a silly old fool and that colleges don’t pay students to pass their courses.
I’m 65, so I know it would be unusual for a woman of this age to fall for an older guy like me, but I took her at her word.
We split up because my son and daughter didn’t approve. This woman has now made contact with me again and wants to pick up where we left off.
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DEIDRE SAYS: No, this does not sound very promising.
You are at very different life stages so it would be wise to ask her what her real intention is for the two of you. Listen carefully to her answer and ask yourself if it really stacks up.
She may have received a scholarship or a bursary for university, but this only goes towards student fees. She wouldn’t get a financial award for completing the course.
Your daughter is looking out for your best interests but, if you do want to maintain a friendship with this lady, that is up to you.
However, if she asks for more money, do not send any.
You can find out more about romance scams through actionfraud.police.uk (0300 123 2040).
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