Online dating scam
October 8, 2013, 6:18 pm Kristy Wettenhall
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A man, who thought he'd met the woman of his dreams online, says his courtship with his internet girlfriend almost landed him in prison.
Eric Kruger thought he'd won a second chance at love when he met 'Tina' from Cambodia on the internet.
However, his internet courtship actually landed him in court.
Mr Kruger says he thought nothing of the internet shopping parcels that Tina was sending to his home, until the police came knocking on his door.
"It was a shock when the police came. They came and searched the house, starting with my room first, then the clothes, shoes and watches," Mr Kruger said.
Apparently the goods that Mr Kruger was holding for Tina were bought with stolen credit cards. He says what hurts the most is that Tina doesn't exist.
"It's possible that Tina is a man," he said.
"There's no friendship, no love relationship. There's nothing there at all for me."
Mr Kruger was charged with handling stolen goods, and was lucky to avoid prison.
A growing number of Australians are falling victim to scams cashing in on lonely hearts.
According to Consumer Affair's Elizabeth Lanyen there are several big scams to keep an eye out for at the moment.
Top five scams to look out for:
1. Advanced fee fraud
2. Investment fraud
3. Bogus lottery tickets
4. Scams involving fishing for bank and credit card details
5. Fake invoices
"Always talk to friends, family or get independent advice before you part with money. Always check your bank statements," Ms Lanyen said.
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