Nakuru mother of three Noel Akivembe, emotional consequences of being swindled KSh 2.8 million. Photo: TUKO.co.ke/Shiro Mbugua.
Source: Original
In Nakuru, Noel Akivembe, a mother of three, is facing a desperate situation. She was recently the victim of a scam that has left her in significant debt and facing potential arrest.
Noel was conned out of KSh 2.8 million by a trusted friend who pretended to be setting her up with a potential husband.
Now, she must find a way to repay KSh 1 million to her neighbors by August 5, or she risks being taken back into police custody.
Noel's troubles began when a friend introduced her to a man she claimed was interested in marrying her.
This man, supposedly living in Singapore, communicated with Noel through her friend, who acted as an intermediary.
The man told Noel he was eager to come to Kenya and start a life with her. He said he was dealing with diabetes and high blood pressure, which made it difficult for him to work.
Trusting her friend completely, Noel started sending money to this man for various needs. She borrowed money from her neighbors and family, believing she was supporting her future husband.
She sent money for his upkeep, an air ticket to Kenya, and even medical care, trusting that this would help him get better and join her soon.
Noel was eager to meet this man and build a future together. However, as the months passed, she realized something was wrong. The man never arrived in Kenya, and her friend began avoiding her.
Finally, Noel discovered that the man never existed and that her childhood friend had tricked her into sending all that money. The betrayal was a devastating blow, both emotionally and financially.
As Noel’s debt grew, the situation escalated. One of her neighbors, from whom she had borrowed a significant amount of money, tricked her into visiting, only to have her arrested and taken to the police station.
Noel spent a few days in custody before being released with a stern warning: repay the borrowed money or face further legal action.
Now, Noel is desperate for help. She needs to raise more than KSh 1 million to repay her first and second neighbors, who have taken legal action against her.
The court has set a deadline of August 5 for her to come up with the money. If she fails to do so, a warrant for her arrest will be issued, and she will be taken back into police custody.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Noel tearfully shared her ordeal, expressing deep regret for trusting her friend and the supposed suitor.
“I was borrowing money for a man I never saw. My friend told me he was in Singapore, and I sent money through her as she was the trustee. I was eager to meet him, but in the end, I found out he didn’t exist and that my friend had tricked me,” Noel said.
Noel's case has drawn attention to the emotional and financial consequences of online scams. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online relationships and the importance of verifying the identity of people met online.
Her story highlights the need for support systems for victims of such scams, who often find themselves in financial ruin and emotional distress.
Noel’s situation is particularly challenging because she trusted her friend completely. This betrayal has not only left her in debt but also deeply hurt emotionally.
She now has to find a way to repay her neighbors and avoid further legal trouble. Noel’s neighbors are also facing financial strain because they lent her money in good faith, believing she would repay them.
Online scams are becoming increasingly common, and many people fall victim to them, often losing significant amounts of money.
These scams can be devastating, leaving victims in financial ruin and emotional distress.
It is essential to verify the identity of people met online and to be wary of sending money to someone who has not been met in person.
Many scammers prey on people’s emotions, using fake identities and stories to gain their trust and money.
In another case, Oscar Sudi, a politician, recounted how he lost over KSh 11 million to a con scheme.
He raised the money through various means, only to be left penniless after being conned. Sudi said he did not blame the conmen for swindling him but blamed his greed for blinding him and causing him to lose the money.
Noel is now appealing for financial assistance to avoid arrest and further hardship for herself and her children.
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