DEAR DEIDRE: I FEEL like such a mug after making friends with a gorgeous Spanish woman, nearly ten years my junior.
She was so warm and seemed to genuinely care about me.
But after four months of companionship, she has disappeared and my bank statements tell me she has emptied my account.
I’m 46 and she is 39. We met on a dating app and I was instantly besotted by her.
She was stunning and wasn’t at all fazed by my disability – I had a car accident five years ago which left me with a spinal injury that affected my ability to walk.
Finding companionship really boosted my confidence and as we grew close she began offering to help me with my shopping.
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To begin with she would get the groceries for me and I would pay her back the cash when she gave me the receipts.
Then in time, I stupidly trusted her with my bank card and PIN number.
The first few times she returned I felt totally comfortable.
She only bought what I’d asked for. I felt I had no reason to doubt her.
But last week, she didn’t visit when she was due.
I called and she didn’t pick up. My texts went unanswered also. Then I noticed my bank card was missing.
When I logged on to my banking app I saw she had booked two one-way flights to Spain – I have no idea who the other one was for – and had withdrawn more than £3,000 of my savings.
I feel so ashamed. How did I end up falling for this?
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DEIDRE SAYS: There is no shame in seeing the best in people. You were duped, and sadly you probably weren’t her first victim.
Don’t be too harsh on yourself. As a watertight rule never share your PIN with anyone.
You can call Turn2Us on 0808 802 2000 (turn2us.org.uk) if you need financial support services.
And please contact Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) who can advise on any possible action against this con artist.
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