Scam! The Full Story
For Those Who Think They Are Invulnerable58 total reviews
Comment from William Stephenson1
I can't begin to describe how I feel after reading this "nightmare" that you have put together. i applaud you for being humble enough to the specifics of this scam and how you were manipulated into participating.
You have helped me as an 80 year-old to really take note and see how effortlessly they can be. So, thank you. You are truly one of the most prestigous writers on this site and I thank you for the courage you demonsrated in bringing this to us.
Jay, if you have the time, would you consider reviewing a poem that I submitted in a contest anonymously. That requirement has now passed and the poem placed third in the contest. But I need about 5 or 6 more reviews. Can you help? It's called The Story of a Stone and it's in the top 10 on the review list. Thanks. -Bill
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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I can't begin to describe how I feel after reading this "nightmare" that you have put together. i applaud you for being humble enough to the specifics of this scam and how you were manipulated into participating.
You have helped me as an 80 year-old to really take note and see how effortlessly they can be. So, thank you. You are truly one of the most prestigous writers on this site and I thank you for the courage you demonsrated in bringing this to us.
Jay, if you have the time, would you consider reviewing a poem that I submitted in a contest anonymously. That requirement has now passed and the poem placed third in the contest. But I need about 5 or 6 more reviews. Can you help? It's called The Story of a Stone and it's in the top 10 on the review list. Thanks. -Bill
Comment Written 23-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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Thank you, Bill. Sorry I was so late in getting this to you. I've been away to another website, but I'm thinking seriously about returning to Fanstory.
Comment from Contests
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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Comment Written 06-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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Thank you, Contest Committee. Just because I'm a year late—don' mean nothin'! I've been away. I've not been well. Seriously, I am honored by your recognition, and humbly, I thank you, mesdames and sirs.
Comment from bob cullen
Don't expect any pity from this reader. And don't be so harsh on yourself. As a repeated victim of criminal behavior myself, I spent forty-two years working in the TAB, the Australian gambling retail industry where I was subjected on five occasions to armed hold-up. I understand the fear of
looking at the wrong end of a gun.
This is a good write. You've certainly not lost your touch. Great to hear from you. I'm slowly getting back into Fanstory and I look forward to reading more of your work,
Bob.
Just one additional note: I've not seen any writings from you in some time. Hope all is well over there. 20/9/24
Bob
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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Don't expect any pity from this reader. And don't be so harsh on yourself. As a repeated victim of criminal behavior myself, I spent forty-two years working in the TAB, the Australian gambling retail industry where I was subjected on five occasions to armed hold-up. I understand the fear of
looking at the wrong end of a gun.
This is a good write. You've certainly not lost your touch. Great to hear from you. I'm slowly getting back into Fanstory and I look forward to reading more of your work,
Bob.
Just one additional note: I've not seen any writings from you in some time. Hope all is well over there. 20/9/24
Bob
Comment Written 27-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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Just coming on to say everything's well. I've been away for over a year, trying to get my mind and emotions in line. I'm thinking seriously of coming back. No pity needed. I'm over feeling harsh on myself. I've never had a gun pointed at me. That would be sobering. Thanks for caring, my friend.
Jay
Comment from Douglas Goff
So sorry this happened to you, Jay. 100% not your fault. They are very good. So good, in fact, when I used to go after these guys they were living in mansions and driving Lamborghini's. At least the high-end ones were
My mom, who is 74, was talking to Kenny Rogers and was sending him money for his orphanage. . . last year. (Rogers has been dead since 2020.)
Always bounce things off family and you should be alright. Prayers for you and your dear wife, my friend.
Douglas
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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So sorry this happened to you, Jay. 100% not your fault. They are very good. So good, in fact, when I used to go after these guys they were living in mansions and driving Lamborghini's. At least the high-end ones were
My mom, who is 74, was talking to Kenny Rogers and was sending him money for his orphanage. . . last year. (Rogers has been dead since 2020.)
Always bounce things off family and you should be alright. Prayers for you and your dear wife, my friend.
Douglas
Comment Written 26-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
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So strange to answer this now—over a year late—especially since we've grown our friendship elsewhere since you wrote this. I'm thinking very seriously of coming back to Fanstory, my dear friend.
Jay
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I have stayed on. Mostly for the very kind people
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
This sent chills down my spine. It was so plausibly written, and what a horrible series of events. Hackers really are the lowest of the low, and I think many of us can fear for you and with you. Stay strong, and one day riches will come your way from an unexpected source. kay
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2023
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This sent chills down my spine. It was so plausibly written, and what a horrible series of events. Hackers really are the lowest of the low, and I think many of us can fear for you and with you. Stay strong, and one day riches will come your way from an unexpected source. kay
Comment Written 19-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2023
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Of course, the hackers came from an unexpected source, LOL. But I know what you mean. I'm still in a dark place, verging on paranoia when I use the computer. I am officially no longer on FanStory. (I'm surprised they are even allowing me to answer my reviews). Before I leave a review for somebody else, I am asked by FS if I am a robot and have to add together two numbers they give. That smacks of "scam" as well. I keep expecting to not get any more reviews, but lo and behold yours showed up today. I suspect this will be my last.
Thank you, Kay-Kay for your continued support of my writing and your always kind wishes. We have each other's email addies. So we can keep in touch.
Buh-bye!
Jay
Comment from lauralumummu
Wow! Thank you for this and for being so transparent. Your story will help many. Not to mention that it is very well written as well. I think any of us at any time could be hooked by a scam if they use the right bait. The more we know the better. We should make a list like if anyone wants you to buy gift cards or isolates you etc. I hope you are doing better and I pray you will be safe and prosper, Laura
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2023
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Wow! Thank you for this and for being so transparent. Your story will help many. Not to mention that it is very well written as well. I think any of us at any time could be hooked by a scam if they use the right bait. The more we know the better. We should make a list like if anyone wants you to buy gift cards or isolates you etc. I hope you are doing better and I pray you will be safe and prosper, Laura
Comment Written 18-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 19-Oct-2023
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A list, you're right! With all the do's and don'ts. I've even thought of putting it on the wall. Only it would have to be written in huge letters for me to read it across the room from my computer. Thank you so much, Lauralu, for reading and for your support!
Jay
Comment from Thesis
Technology can be a great tool, but there are always dirtbags out there trying to steal from someone. They had an elaborate scheme going and gave you just enough information to think they were legitimate. Although it's a hard blow to lose the money, you weren't harmed physically and were lucky to have a family searching for you. Life's full of lessons and we never stop learning.
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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Technology can be a great tool, but there are always dirtbags out there trying to steal from someone. They had an elaborate scheme going and gave you just enough information to think they were legitimate. Although it's a hard blow to lose the money, you weren't harmed physically and were lucky to have a family searching for you. Life's full of lessons and we never stop learning.
Comment Written 18-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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Thank you, my friend, for reading this and for your kind and supportive words. Much appreciated.
Jay
Comment from shelley kaye
O!M!G! i couldn't stop reading! this was horrible! i am scared of links in emails, but now i'm even more scared!
i'm so sorry this happened to you. it is not your fault!! dang they were good!
all that said, this was a great story you got from it and very well written!
thank you for sharing!!
shelley :)
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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O!M!G! i couldn't stop reading! this was horrible! i am scared of links in emails, but now i'm even more scared!
i'm so sorry this happened to you. it is not your fault!! dang they were good!
all that said, this was a great story you got from it and very well written!
thank you for sharing!!
shelley :)
Comment Written 18-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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Shelly, thank you. Yes we should stay vigilant! But we should never lose sight that much of humanity is kind. I don't think we'll ever get it said more clearly than Jesus. We need to be ?Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves?.
Love ya, Shelley,
Jay
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one of my fave quotes is from anne frank: "in spite of everything, i still believe people are good at heart"
keeps the hope alive lol
Comment from JSD
And there it is. What can we take from this horror. 1. That some human beings are just horrible and evil. 2. That those around us who love us, love us unconditionally and forgive without a thought. 3. That our prayers for your trials and trauma will bring you to a happier place.
With all best thoughts and prayers.
John
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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And there it is. What can we take from this horror. 1. That some human beings are just horrible and evil. 2. That those around us who love us, love us unconditionally and forgive without a thought. 3. That our prayers for your trials and trauma will bring you to a happier place.
With all best thoughts and prayers.
John
Comment Written 18-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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John, bless you! I need that.
Jay
Comment from royowen
I will certainly pray for you, like you, I wanted to publish, for my kids and grands, just to leave a legacy, the only thing I really have, apart from the love of God, and the way my family and friends love us, which are the only, the greatest of all riches that can be bestowed on us.I'm so sorry, that feeling of worthlessness is what the powers of darkness wants, these people are controlled by darkness, they need prayer. Well done Jay, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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I will certainly pray for you, like you, I wanted to publish, for my kids and grands, just to leave a legacy, the only thing I really have, apart from the love of God, and the way my family and friends love us, which are the only, the greatest of all riches that can be bestowed on us.I'm so sorry, that feeling of worthlessness is what the powers of darkness wants, these people are controlled by darkness, they need prayer. Well done Jay, blessings Roy
Comment Written 17-Oct-2023
reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023
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Thank you, Roy. They need prayer, too. That's the hardest part, isn't it?
Jay
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So sorry Jay,
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Yep, it sure is