Subject: I Got Scammed – Seeking Advice
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping for some understanding as I share my experience.
Recently, I used RentMen, an escort website, to connect with someone offering video calls. We settled on a video call for $100, and I was given a PayID (which was an email) for the payment. After I transferred the money, I heard nothing back. Eventually, the person reached out, claiming their account was locked and that my payment would bounce back. They then asked me to send the money again to a different PayID, this time a phone number, assuring me I’d receive my money back.
It’s become clear to me now that I’ve been scammed. I noticed that both the email and mobile number were linked to the same account name, but the phone number provided is different from the one listed on the ad.
I’ve submitted a report to RentMen, but I’m not expecting much in return, and I’ve been unable to leave a review without a membership fee. While I’m not overly concerned about losing the $100, I really want to prevent this person from scamming anyone else.
Should I report and block them on WhatsApp? Is there anyone else I can report this to? I fear that the site will disregard the issue, and this scammer will continue to operate.
Thanks for any advice.
I’m really sorry to hear that you went through this. It’s understandable to feel frustrated and upset, especially when it involves money and trust. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Report to the Platform: Even though you’ve already sent a report to RentMen, it’s still worth following up if you can. Provide as much detail as possible about the scammer and the situation. Even if they don’t respond, keeping a record of your attempts may help others in the future.
Report the Scam: You can report the scam to your local consumer protection agency or the authorities. If you’re in the U.S., for example, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). In other countries, there are similar organizations that you can reach out to.
Block and Report on WhatsApp: Yes, blocking and reporting on WhatsApp is a good idea. This helps prevent further communication with the scammer and alerts WhatsApp to the fraudulent activity.
Alert Others: If you have friends or online communities where discussions about safety or scams are held, consider sharing your experience there (while respecting your privacy). Awareness can help prevent others from falling victim.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications, including screenshots and any transaction details. This can be valuable when reporting the scam or if you decide to take further legal action.
Consider Local Help: If you feel comfortable, you can reach out to local authorities or legal aid organizations that may assist in these matters, especially if you feel this is part of a larger pattern in your area.
While it can be disheartening to feel like you’ve lost your money, taking action can often help channel your feelings into something constructive. You’re helping not just yourself but potentially others as well. Stay safe!