A local mother who fell victim to an “investment” scam and shared her story to warn others from falling into the same trap, had been begged by her scammer to “please take the post down”
The woman who asked to remain anonymous because she was deeply embarrassed about being scammed, asked to have her story published, so her experience can prevent others from being deceived by the same scammer
The mother of six told SGN it started when her brother-in-law told her there was a “financial assistance program for low-income families”
He sent her a link to a Facebook page promoting an investment scheme that promised huge returns. It claimed a $200 investment would earn $5,000, while $300 would return $10,000
The victim contacted the Facebook page, which operated under the name “Jairo Gaming.”
The person running the page claimed it was a family business owned by Loau, and that it was being operated from the District Development Office (Fono Faavae) in Faleula,’ said the scam victim
She was then given a phone number and told the representative’s name was Jason Tagiilima
“I immediately called the number. A man answered and said he was at the Samoa Commercial Bank (SCB) branch in Vaitele. He said he was depositing money for his other clients.”
“My first thought was that this extra money would be a huge help for my children’s schooling and our upcoming commitments
“I drove straight to Vaitele, called the number again, and he told me he was waiting for me at the SCB bank.”
When she arrived, a young man approached her and spoke in English. He asked for her identification, took a photo of her driver’s licence, and she handed him the $200 tala cash
The young man then called someone on speakerphone to confirm he had received the money
“I heard the person on the other end of the line say, “Okay, tell her to come to the Fono Faavae.”
“After the call ended, the young man told me to go straight to the Fono Faavae Office in Faleula, saying the other person was waiting for me, because he had to go inside to deposit the cash.”
The mother said she drove to Faleula feeling happy and relieved, believing the money would help her family just in time for Father’s Day and other commitments
“When I arrived at the office, I tried calling the young man’s number again, but it went straight to voicemail. I went inside and explained everything to the receptionist
“She told me I was the third person to come in that day with the same story. She confirmed that no such investment scheme was being run by their office.”
The mother said she felt deeply embarrassed and regretted what had happened
“I felt so ashamed. It was the first time I had ever been scammed. What hurts the most is that it was the last of my money, and now it’s gone. I don’t even know what to tell my family, especially my children who need it for school.”
She said she is disappointed because despite hearing repeated public warnings about scams, she had still fallen victim
“I felt heartbroken and angry. Angry at the person who did this, but also angry with myself for being so easily fooled,” she shares
“The high cost of living and the pressures of meeting my everyday expenses clouded my judgment and stopped me from making the right decision.”
She said she decided to share her story so others would not suffer the same experience
“I do not want this to happen to anyone else,” she said
After Samoa Global News published the mother’s article with a photo of the scammer the victim had taken, he contacted her to say he was sorry and that he would repay her next week!
“I promise I’ll come on Tuesday to give you your money and apologise..”
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