An Encounter with a Poser

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While randomly engaging with Facebook posts, I received a private message from someone named Ella Mae. She expressed a desire to talk and requested my mobile number. Although I had reservations about her, I saw no harm in sharing my number. Curiosity led me to browse her profile, where I noticed numerous "revealing" photos. Shortly afterward, I received an SMS from her. Ella Mae stated that she was seeking someone to have "fun" with, mentioning that she hailed from Tuguegarao, Ilocos Norte, and planned to visit Manila over the weekend. Now, individuals resembling Coco Martin or Derek Ramsey might not find this surprising, but for someone like me, it was undeniably suspicious.

Ella Mae desired to meet me in Manila but lacked funds for bus fare. I informed her that I was married and uninterested. Her response disregarded my marital status, insisting that we meet if only I would send her money for the journey. She even proclaimed that I could do whatever I pleased with her upon our encounter.

Boom! The truth was revealed.

This person was impersonating the girl in the photos to deceive men into thinking they were about to get lucky, with the simple condition of sending bus fare. The pictures could have been pilfered from another profile or obtained through hacking. Playing along, I continued texting the impersonator, feigning interest in the proposition. I wanted to turn the tables on this deceiver. Inquiring about the cost of the bus fare, she stated it was P1200 and urged me to send the money immediately via Western Union for her prompt visit. Did she think I was foolish? My own mother couldn't even maintain direct eye contact with me for five minutes without developing a headache, and she expected me to believe she wanted to see me right away?

Here's a tip to determine if you're truly conversing with the person who owns a specific Facebook profile (or any other social networking site): ask them to post a fan sign photo. I requested that Ella Mae create a fan sign for my page, take a picture of herself holding the fan sign, and post it on her profile. My inbox was flooded with a barrage of excuses as to why she couldn't fulfill this simple request. Well, who wouldn't be able to accomplish such a task? Someone who bears no resemblance to the person in the photos they are utilizing.

At this point, I decided to take it a step further. These individuals who deceive others for monetary gain truly irritate me, so I couldn't resist toying with the trickster. I informed the girl that I was willing to accept her offer and send her the bus fare via Western Union. She provided me with the name of another person, claiming that she lacked a valid ID to collect the remittance. Alright then. I provided her with a fake control number. Let's just say that there's likely one infuriated scammer in Ilocos right now.

Consider this a warning to all the gentlemen out there: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

P.S.:
Here's the name and address of the individual who was supposed to collect the remittance.

Manuel Baccay Tumaliuan
85 Mabini St.
Tuguegarao City

To the girl in the pictures (or anyone acquainted with her), your Facebook account may have been compromised. I also recommend adjusting your privacy settings to prevent unauthorized access to your personal photos.

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