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First contact with this scammer was made on April 2, 2009 on New-Dating.com Her id number is 89397 Below, is the copy of a chat session which was held on Yahoo Messenger on April 7, 2009, as you can see on the transcript. Her scam is one well known, the infamous BTA, Basic Travel Allowance. Following this transcript of the chat session, you will find a copy of the email which she sent just hours later.<br />
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Laura (4/7/2009 10:18:24 PM): i have a suggestion <br />
John (4/7/2009 10:18:47 PM): ok<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:19:28 PM): there are travel agents which my dad has a premium membership with when he was still alive....i can check from them about the ticket so we compare with the one you get and go for the better deal<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:19:33 PM): what do you think?<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:20:02 PM): No, it's not necessary. I will take care of it.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:20:50 PM): oh.....it's a siggestion and i think it can help us to save some money if we can find a better deal<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:21:27 PM): See let me tell you something..even if you are rich i will bever be in a party to waste your money<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:22:27 PM): One, I don't think it would save money and two, we can use the miles on my card.<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:23:17 PM): Well, I am not what you would consider rich, but I am comfortable. After my book is released, I might be considered real comfortable.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:23:45 PM): i am not saying you are rich<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:23:50 PM): After my second book, then we may be approaching rich.<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:23:54 PM): I know<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:24:02 PM): I was just sharing<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:24:12 PM): i am just taking that statement as an example<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:24:31 PM): I understand. No problem. Really. I understand<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:24:41 PM): what i was expectiong from you was ok no problem but you ignore my suggestion<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:24:49 PM): that is not fair<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:25:08 PM): why are you upset<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:25:11 PM): i think as a partner we should be about to shre things and to things together<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:25:21 PM): I am now<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:25:41 PM): that mean my suggestion is not genieu<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:25:45 PM): I'm sorry.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:25:49 PM): it's okay no problem<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:25:54 PM): No, not at all.<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:26:06 PM): No, there is a problem.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:26:36 PM): I think i was trying to make things work out for us in a conviniet way<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:26:46 PM): what is the problem involve?<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:27:26 PM): And I appreciate that. But when it comes to travel, I would prefer to handle this myself. I am sorry if this is a problem.<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:28:05 PM): I am sorry you are upset. I don't want this to become an issue.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:28:17 PM): why?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:28:32 PM): no problem..it's because you are the one to pay for it right?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:28:48 PM): had it been i have the money you would have not talk like that<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:29:04 PM): no problem handle it as you wish<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:29:13 PM): Well, that could be considered one along with the others I have mentioned<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:29:41 PM): I am very sorry this conversation has turned in this manner.<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:30:09 PM): I apologize for upsetting you. I meant no harm.<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:30:48 PM): I believe I will go now. I am truly sorry I have once again not performed to your satisfaction.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:31:37 PM): no problem<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:31:47 PM): you can go if you wish to<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:32:28 PM): To know me is to know that I don't like problems or arguments.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:32:48 PM): me eiether<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:32:59 PM): I am easy to get along with<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:33:13 PM): Then why all the turmoil?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:33:22 PM): i think one cant never be friend if our mind are not working along<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:33:46 PM): what i said it;s very simple....<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:33:49 PM): You asked me to do something and I did.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:34:01 PM): you must have some thought in you<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:34:05 PM): yes i do<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:34:37 PM): and i suggested i will do the same here and we can compare with the one you check and we go for the better deal....you said NO<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:34:40 PM): why NO???????<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:35:04 PM): what i was expecting from you was that is a good idea<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:35:40 PM): you just NO you will Handle it yourself...so your thought was i am not capable to handle such things<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:35:58 PM): It's quite simple. I have been dealing with my travel agent for over 8 years. I book ALL my travel through her. It's that simple.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:36:29 PM): that is not an issue<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:36:53 PM): For being loyal she gives me the best deals. Even if you had found a better deal, she would have matched it. This has happened before.<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:37:30 PM): Maybe I should have explained this before.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:38:57 PM): it's okay<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:38:59 PM): For example, if I call her tomorrow and she tells me the fare is $ 800, I will tell her I found it online for $ 600. She will charge me $ 600<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:39:29 PM): See i dont hide my feelings that is why i am telling you this<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:39:37 PM): But I predict, she will quote me $ 500-550<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:40:03 PM): She has always been below the online price<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:40:05 PM): what makes me upset was that you dont welcome my suggestion and that i not good<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:40:48 PM): Sweety, I am very sorry. Please forgive me. I'm just tired and have a million things going. Please forgive me.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:41:44 PM): it's okay<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:41:49 PM): that's alright<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:41:59 PM): You are certainly welcome to get a quote. But as I said I will just pass it along to my agent and she will charge me the same.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:42:03 PM): check for the cost and let's know what it will cost<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:42:25 PM): Aside from that what are the thing do you think i need to get before leaving here<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:42:30 PM): Well, we know it won't cost more than $ 600<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:42:56 PM): ok<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:43:24 PM): I don't understand what you are asking.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:43:30 PM): but honey i will need some stuff before leaving here..and i think we have to get prepare well before leaving here<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:44:22 PM): That's fine, but I thought you said you were ready to travel?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:44:37 PM): yes<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:44:53 PM): i mean like buying some stuff for me and Daniel<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:45:30 PM): and there are some certain amount of fund we had to have on us before we can board....they call it a travelling fee<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:45:57 PM): they wont collect it from us just to have it with us incase of any Emergency<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:46:09 PM): Hope you understand what i mane<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:46:11 PM): mean<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:46:38 PM): This must be new as I have never had to have this before.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:47:20 PM): really?<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:47:29 PM): Actually, I had my wallet stolen on one trip to London and was thankful I had my passport and ticket in the hotel<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:47:45 PM): That's all I had when I boarded.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:47:48 PM): this has been going on for sometime now<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:47:55 PM): Except for my luggage<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:47:57 PM): i think you use to travel..i think you should know what i mean by travelling fee<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:48:37 PM): hmmmm<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:48:57 PM): I have never been told I had to have a certain amount of cash before I could travel.<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:49:08 PM): Maybe I've just been lucky<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:49:22 PM): hehehehe<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:49:29 PM): lucky amn<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:49:55 PM): And I've been to Cuba, England, Australia, China and Mexico<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:50:01 PM): we have to have somne certain money with us before we cab board<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:50:12 PM): can<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:50:27 PM): and i know it is still existing<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:50:46 PM): they call it BTA...BASIC TRAVELLING ALLOWNCE<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:51:08 PM): How much?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:51:33 PM): I will find out what the Amount is<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:51:35 PM): ok<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:51:41 PM): ok<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:51:45 PM): cool<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:52:10 PM): Dont you think we need to get some stuff for me and Daniel before leaving here<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:52:22 PM): and who requires this allowance?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:52:25 PM): I dont have much on me<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:52:47 PM): the airline?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:52:54 PM): i will send what you need concerning the booking of the tickets<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:53:04 PM): no it's the custome<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:53:10 PM): Custom<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:53:28 PM): the arline are to issue ticket only<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:53:41 PM): they have nothing to do with Travelling Fee<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:53:47 PM): i dont know you dont know about this<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:54:03 PM): i think you should know what i am talking abot<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:54:06 PM): about<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:54:21 PM): It has never been asked of me in any customs interview<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:54:41 PM): the money is not met for spending we just have to have it on us incase of any Emergenncy<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:55:23 PM): as I said, I guess I just look like I have money or maybe it's because I am so big they are afraid to ask.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:55:40 PM): it's my friend that told meall this....i mean the frined that told me about this online dating she just came back from canada to meet her partner she met online<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:55:41 PM): hehehehehehe<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:56:04 PM): hehehehe<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:56:08 PM): you are funny<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:56:15 PM): also big<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:56:50 PM): she she there are alot of people that dont board untill they show their travelling fee<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:57:03 PM): she said they wont collect it <br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:57:27 PM): so i will return it back to you when i get to you<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:57:33 PM): that is not a problem <br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:57:36 PM): ok?<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:57:41 PM): sure<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:57:51 PM): thank you<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:58:05 PM): i am really happy we are progressing<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:58:14 PM): good<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:58:19 PM): yes<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:58:36 PM): So what do you think about getting some stuff<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:58:38 PM): ?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:58:40 PM): please<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:58:51 PM): i dont have much on <br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:58:53 PM): me<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:58:58 PM): i would have get that myself<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:59:01 PM): How much money do you need?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:59:27 PM): i cant tell..i will appreciate what you give to me<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 10:59:29 PM): that is me<br />
John (4/7/2009 10:59:56 PM): No, I won't even go there. Just tell me what you need.<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:00:06 PM): How much?<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:00:21 PM): hmmmm.........<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:01:01 PM): See honey i am being carefull when it comes to money issue<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:01:28 PM): i dont want you to think maybe i am after your money........tell me what you can afford<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:01:36 PM): i will never force you to do what you cant aford<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:01:44 PM): You think about it and find out how much the fee is and write me tomorrow.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:01:46 PM): See i am being realistic with you<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:02:01 PM): I will do that<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:02:14 PM): I think you will be online in your day time?<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:02:46 PM): Yes, I think so. But I do have some appointments tomorrow.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:03:00 PM): ok<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:03:30 PM): Just email me all the costs as soon as you know. I can get my emails onmy phone in case I am not home.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:03:43 PM): ok<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:04:01 PM): So you dont say anything about the amount you can give me<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:04:07 PM): Including the amount you and Daniel need.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:04:14 PM): hehehehe<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:04:19 PM): that is different<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:04:28 PM): honey tell me what you can give me now<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:05:20 PM): It all depends on what this fee amount is. This is why I asked you to please inform me tomorrow.<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:05:37 PM): I will not say anything until I have all the costs.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:05:42 PM): there is a trade fare which will come up in a store the ine countryside here tommorrow...i can make use of this oppurtuniy to get what i need in a good price and i also have some other picture i can scan for you<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:05:55 PM): ok...<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:07:17 PM): Please understand me, I will not send any money until I know what all of the costs will be. Besides, I couldn't wire any money until tomorrow anyway.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:07:44 PM): i understand you honey<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:07:58 PM): I'm not sure.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:07:59 PM): I am not asking you to send anymoney now<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:08:05 PM): hehehehe<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:08:11 PM): honey i understand you<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:08:17 PM): you must be sure<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:08:21 PM): You said you wanted to go shopping tmorrow.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:08:22 PM): hehehe<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:08:28 PM): yes<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:08:58 PM): Well, I took that to mean that you needed the money to do this.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:09:01 PM): the trade fare is for 2 days<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:09:17 PM): so if i cant meet up the first day i will make up to the second day<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:09:21 PM): so i still have hope<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:09:32 PM): I don't know right now.<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:10:04 PM): I know you dont know since you dont know what i need...<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:10:17 PM): i will try and get intouch with you tommorrow about the cost<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:10:20 PM): ok<br />
John (4/7/2009 11:10:29 PM): ok<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:11:00 PM): thank you so much my teddy bear..lol<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:11:02 PM): just when I thought that love could never be a part of me, that's when you came along and showed me happiness<br />
Laura (4/7/2009 11:11:49 PM): will you make the ticket booking tommorrow as well?<br />
<br />
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Hours later, this email was sent:<br />
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HONEY I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU ONLINE...I CAN SEE YOU ARE GONE....HONEY I HAVE GET THE INFORMATION FROM MY FRIEND ABOUT THE COST ABOUT THE TRAVELING FEE.<br />
IT WILL COST 300 DOLLARS FOR DANIEL AND 700 FOR ME<br />
<br />
HONEY YOU MIGHT NEED SOME INFORMATION TO WIRED THE MONEY .... HERE IS MY FULL INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED FOR THE TRANSFER AND THE TICKET BOOKING<br />
<br />
NAME: LAURA ROBERTSON & DANIEL ROBERTSON<br />
<br />
ADDRESS; WESTFIELD ROAD, DUNSTABLE,<br />
BEDFORDSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM<br />
<br />
HONEY YOU CAN SEND ME WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO GET THE STUFF...THANK YOU SO MUCH<br />
<br />
<br />
Upon receipt of this email, I "politely" replied with three different websites describing in detail this common scam and thanked her for the entertainment.
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