Engaging in conversation during the drive, the stranger, who portrayed himself as a prosperous entrepreneur with business connections between Nigeria and Cotonou, gradually earned the trust of the lady. As their relationship progressed, the man proposed marriage, claiming to be a multi-millionaire ready to cover all expenses.

Fast forward to January, with wedding preparations in full swing, the fraudster spun a tale of misfortune. He informed the soon-to-be bride, that his containers, each valued at 150 Million Naira, were seized at the Benin-Nigeria border. Urgently needing 25 Million Naira for clearance, he manipulated the situation, displaying apparent wealth with expensive cars and new iPhones.

Despite red flags, the family, swept up in the illusion of opulence, rallied together to raise the requested sum. Borrowing from friends and pooling their resources, they handed over a total of 12.5 Million Naira to the scammer, expecting a quick resolution.

However, as quickly as the scammer had entered their lives, he disappeared. His phone was turned off, and his WhatsApp account deleted. The family was left with no money, no wedding, and no trace of the fraudster.

This cautionary tale serves as a reminder to conduct thorough background checks when entering into relationships. The family, like many others, fell victim to a meticulously crafted scam. The lesson here is clear – take the time to know someone, their family, and conduct proper verifications before placing trust in them. This incident highlights the importance of creating awareness to prevent others from experiencing a similar ordeal. Stay vigilant, ask questions, and protect yourselves from potential scams.