I've been scammed, now what?

[WomanLovesTX]

I guess it can happen to anyone. But me? I thought I was more intelligent and "that could never happen to me". I did however get legal document notarized and signed for a promissory note from the con, and now I am asking myself is it right to take him before the justice of peace and plea my case. Should a Christian take a matter like this before the law? The con poses as a bible believer but by his true character and behavior he is more than just a con artist. He is 70 and makes no bones about liking children. Long story, but I am MAD and I am in prayer, but need sound counseling. Right now. I don't have a church home or a minister to seek advice. Will I be hurting the cause of true believers of Christ if I demand in court my money returned? Thinking of the 1 Corinthians chapters 5 and 6. Believers don't take each other to court but must settle within the body. He is not a Christian and he will find his next victim. I don't want to just let it go and let God because I want righteous settlement right now. Pray for me and advice. Have you ever been in this kind of situation?

 

[easygoing]

I think if it was a scam and you can prove it then you are entitled to your money back and exposing this person as a phony. You did not perpetrate the lie, this other person did. In exposing this scam you can save others from having to go through this.

 

[QuestionTime]

I guess it can happen to anyone. But me? I thought I was more intelligent and "that could never happen to me". I did however get legal document notarized and signed for a promissory note from the con, and now I am asking myself is it right to take him before the justice of peace and plea my case. Should a Christian take a matter like this before the law? The con poses as a bible believer but by his true character and behavior he is more than just a con artist. He is 70 and makes no bones about liking children. Long story, but I am MAD and I am in prayer, but need sound counseling. Right now. I don't have a church home or a minister to seek advice. Will I be hurting the cause of true believers of Christ if I demand in court my money returned? Thinking of the 1 Corinthians chapters 5 and 6. Believers don't take each other to court but must settle within the body. He is not a Christian and he will find his next victim. I don't want to just let it go and let God because I want righteous settlement right now. Pray for me and advice. Have you ever been in this kind of situation?

To begin with, it's very sweet that you are so concerned with obeying the scriptures WomanLovesTX.

To conclude, take this son of satan to court and get your money back. I suggest you read 1 John so you can see what a Christian is and what a Christian is not. This is not a petty issue that two sincere believers are quarreling about. This man is a criminal and if you don't take him to court then he is going to continue his crimes and hurt other people.

Quest

 

[Thaddaeus]

side stepping the moral issue of if you would be bibically right or wrong, and I am not a lawyer. but have been told by a lawyer, that it is a waste of time and more of your money if you try and pursue this legally. for he said that no one should ever try and sue a so called crooked individual. for even if you win the case all they have to do is file for bankruptcy, and you will never receive a dime of the money plus you will have spent thousands of more on legal cost trying to get the money. and I do not agree with you are anyone else esp. someone that don't know both sides of this story, to judge anyone into hell much less calling them a son of satan. in the bible there was required two or more witnesses before judgement could be passed legally, so you can see the kind of Christians that are giving you advice so far. they don't even know this person, they don't know you. you could be lying. or at least partial to your view. and they have condemn someone to hell and they are good christians but someone who took advantage of someone is not . I think you may have come to the wrong place for good christian advice !!!!!!

 

[phil36]

I'm Not sure, if it is fraud can you not go to the Police?

 

[QuestionTime]

side stepping the moral issue of if you would be bibically right or wrong, and I am not a lawyer. but have been told by a lawyer, that it is a waste of time and more of your money if you try and pursue this legally. for he said that no one should ever try and sue a so called crooked individual. for even if you win the case all they have to do is file for bankruptcy, and you will never receive a dime of the money plus you will have spent thousands of more on legal cost trying to get the money. and I do not agree with you are anyone else esp. someone that don't know both sides of this story, to judge anyone into hell much less calling them a son of satan. in the bible there was required two or more witnesses before judgement could be passed legally, so you can see the kind of Christians that are giving you advice so far. they don't even know this person, they don't know you. you could be lying. or at least partial to your view. and they have condemn someone to hell and they are good christians but someone who took advantage of someone is not . I think you may have come to the wrong place for good christian advice !!!!!!

You are right Thaddeus. I thought about my response after, that it was very biased without knowing the full story.

If what the OP says is true however, this man is indeed a son of satan. We are all born children of satan, and the only definition God gives of people who are not children of satan is: That true believers will live a life free of sin.

Quest

 

[WomanLovesTX]

side stepping the moral issue of if you would be bibically right or wrong, and I am not a lawyer. but have been told by a lawyer, that it is a waste of time and more of your money if you try and pursue this legally. for he said that no one should ever try and sue a so called crooked individual. for even if you win the case all they have to do is file for bankruptcy, and you will never receive a dime of the money plus you will have spent thousands of more on legal cost trying to get the money. and I do not agree with you are anyone else esp. someone that don't know both sides of this story, to judge anyone into hell much less calling them a son of satan. in the bible there was required two or more witnesses before judgement could be passed legally, so you can see the kind of Christians that are giving you advice so far. they don't even know this person, they don't know you. you could be lying. or at least partial to your view. and they have condemn someone to hell and they are good christians but someone who took advantage of someone is not . I think you may have come to the wrong place for good christian advice !!!!!!

I understand exactly what you are saying. I did get free legal advice and the best I could do is pay the justice of the peace and have him served. I think he thinks he is above keeping his promises and I really don't ever want to be near him again. I was sick and vomiting and other bodily stuff and felt so much relief when I gathered my belongings from the work place and made the step to get away. I keep praying that I can move on, which may mean for now moving in with my daughter since I am financially broke. It just makes me sick that I am still disheartened and have still so much confusion now that I am away from him. There are others who can testify to the same about him, but they too have moved on for healing. I know he has and will have more "victims", but maybe he doesn't know right from wrong. He told me it was his DNA that made him the way he is and that he didn't want to change. I just feel for the innocent and naive and wish we didn't have to go though this.

 

[oopsies]

Is it an enormous amount? If it's rather small, I wouldn't bother. I would take the stance of let him scam me, I'm upset but I hope God will use this to move his heart. If it's an enormous amount... well, I have no idea.

 

[WomanLovesTX]

Not enormous. Just all I had in my savings. At his "crisis" after he had already talked me into helping him each time with the promise when the next invoice payment comes in I'll repay you. So I "helped" him with each "crisis" of over $5000 (not enormous, just all the savings and backup I had). On the last "crisis" I actually would have "helped" him, still believing he was sincere, but I couldn't provide him with the $700 he was needing. So he borrowed from his brother and when the big check came in he didn't keep his promise to me (once again) that he was going to pay me, because he said he paid his brother. So I asked him why are you not paying me back some of what I have loaned you and he said "because I can get more from my brother next time" Bam!!He used me and now that I am dried up, he didn't need me anymore. Then there also was the promissory note I made when he had made it obvious I was not going to get a regular repayment. We went to the bank and signed and notarized it. Come March 10th due date for 1st payment on promissory note, he just plain out said he didn't have the money right then (something he always said after I loaned him money with him even showing me the invoice he was going to repay me with). So here I am now, March 28 and no payment for the loan. I wrote a letter of Default on the Promissory Note and sent certified mail a week ago. My only recourse at this point is pay the $160 for justice of peace and have him served and then go to court and then what? Win, but what enforcement after that? No, I still am hurt and shamed that this smooth talker and talking and talking person could convince me one minute how intelligent I am and what a great worker partner I am, but actually lying to me the whole time until he had used me as far as he could. He kept me confused with all of his constant gift of gab. I was told what he had done to me is called Emotional Rape.It fits because I still keep reliving all the stuff he was saying and sayi8ng and saying. I hope I can get a job quickly to maintain my independence. Things don't look so good at this time. If I move to my daughters I will have to leave behind my household and she lives in the boonies and well....it all is making me feel so depressed....I think why I have so much time on my hands, what should I be doing? Please keep praying for me.

 

[shanaynay-deleted]

Get back what is yours! Cons are everywhere, and unfortunately they use religion to manipulate people.
Don't let people take advantage of you, that is not being a better "christian", its being taken advantage of. He broke the law and that was his choice. There are consequences to breaking the law, christian or not.

I guess it can happen to anyone. But me? I thought I was more intelligent and "that could never happen to me". I did however get legal document notarized and signed for a promissory note from the con, and now I am asking myself is it right to take him before the justice of peace and plea my case. Should a Christian take a matter like this before the law? The con poses as a bible believer but by his true character and behavior he is more than just a con artist. He is 70 and makes no bones about liking children. Long story, but I am MAD and I am in prayer, but need sound counseling. Right now. I don't have a church home or a minister to seek advice. Will I be hurting the cause of true believers of Christ if I demand in court my money returned? Thinking of the 1 Corinthians chapters 5 and 6. Believers don't take each other to court but must settle within the body. He is not a Christian and he will find his next victim. I don't want to just let it go and let God because I want righteous settlement right now. Pray for me and advice. Have you ever been in this kind of situation?

 

[HumbleSaint]

Get back what is yours! Cons are everywhere, and unfortunately they use religion to manipulate people.
Don't let people take advantage of you, that is not being a better "christian", its being taken advantage of. He broke the law and that was his choice. There are consequences to breaking the law, christian or not.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:27-31

 

[WomanLovesTX]

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:27-31

This is one of the scriptures I have read and this is one of the reasons I ask what to do. " and pray for them which despitefully use you".

It really hurts and I feel shame for being used. I feel I have been "emotionally raped" and not just tricked out of money. It really hurts to "wake up" and see reality. To believe I had been put under a spell. I have read the whole book of Proverbs and can see myself being rebuked as well as seeing the "foolish son". This man stands behind loving the Bible that reads you and not you reading it. When I spoke to him about the 1 Corinthians 6 and not being a part of the kingdom of heaven, he rebuked me and said I use the Bible as a weapon and as it should be, a book to glorify God. I know the Bible to be a two-edged sword. It cuts through me as well. Thank you for also showing me the Luke verses. This rebukes me and I want to do good and not evil. That is why I asked "now what?"

 

[carpetmanswife]

Pray for them that despitefully use you....man o man was that PERFECT timing readin this verse!!
thanks
and bold red letters no less ..He meant for me to see it !! lol

 

[oopsies]

Not enormous. Just all I had in my savings. At his "crisis" after he had already talked me into helping him each time with the promise when the next invoice payment comes in I'll repay you. So I "helped" him with each "crisis" of over $5000 (not enormous, just all the savings and backup I had). On the last "crisis" I actually would have "helped" him, still believing he was sincere, but I couldn't provide him with the $700 he was needing. So he borrowed from his brother and when the big check came in he didn't keep his promise to me (once again) that he was going to pay me, because he said he paid his brother. So I asked him why are you not paying me back some of what I have loaned you and he said "because I can get more from my brother next time" Bam!!He used me and now that I am dried up, he didn't need me anymore. Then there also was the promissory note I made when he had made it obvious I was not going to get a regular repayment. We went to the bank and signed and notarized it. Come March 10th due date for 1st payment on promissory note, he just plain out said he didn't have the money right then (something he always said after I loaned him money with him even showing me the invoice he was going to repay me with). So here I am now, March 28 and no payment for the loan. I wrote a letter of Default on the Promissory Note and sent certified mail a week ago. My only recourse at this point is pay the $160 for justice of peace and have him served and then go to court and then what? Win, but what enforcement after that? No, I still am hurt and shamed that this smooth talker and talking and talking person could convince me one minute how intelligent I am and what a great worker partner I am, but actually lying to me the whole time until he had used me as far as he could. He kept me confused with all of his constant gift of gab. I was told what he had done to me is called Emotional Rape.It fits because I still keep reliving all the stuff he was saying and sayi8ng and saying. I hope I can get a job quickly to maintain my independence. Things don't look so good at this time. If I move to my daughters I will have to leave behind my household and she lives in the boonies and well....it all is making me feel so depressed....I think why I have so much time on my hands, what should I be doing? Please keep praying for me.

Oh, I think this is a matter of faith. On the practical side, I don't think you will be able to get the money back even if you "win the case" so to speak. So you can take a leap of faith that God will provide for you even if you don't go to court. Or you can take a leap of faith that God will somehow work in such a way that you'll recover all your money. Pray about it. What does the Spirit move you to do?

 

[VW]

This is one of the scriptures I have read and this is one of the reasons I ask what to do. " and pray for them which despitefully use you".

It really hurts and I feel shame for being used. I feel I have been "emotionally raped" and not just tricked out of money. It really hurts to "wake up" and see reality. To believe I had been put under a spell. I have read the whole book of Proverbs and can see myself being rebuked as well as seeing the "foolish son". This man stands behind loving the Bible that reads you and not you reading it. When I spoke to him about the 1 Corinthians 6 and not being a part of the kingdom of heaven, he rebuked me and said I use the Bible as a weapon and as it should be, a book to glorify God. I know the Bible to be a two-edged sword. It cuts through me as well. Thank you for also showing me the Luke verses. This rebukes me and I want to do good and not evil. That is why I asked "now what?"

if we actually knew just how many times we have been used, we would have trouble believing it.

let the money go, and forgive, and the lord will restore what he had given you before.

read the story of king david, and his son who rebelled against him and took his throne.

with his love and my prayers.
vic

 

[Pheonix]

I think its Corinthians that says we are not to take a brother before the court of the land. We are to deal with it in the church. The whole don't air your dirty laundry for the world to see idea.

Though I don't think this really applies to your situation. So I guess this was just a waste of my time. Sorry.

 

[MahogonySnail]

Only for minor trivial disputes would the church be qualified and able to resolve it.

Any criminal activities come under the law of the land and as such a brother can take a brother to court.

A christian has a legal and moral obligation to report the scammer to the proper authorities, Christian or not.

You should demand your money be returned and seek the proper avenues to get it back.

 

[WomanLovesTX]

Oh, I think this is a matter of faith. On the practical side, I don't think you will be able to get the money back even if you "win the case" so to speak. So you can take a leap of faith that God will provide for you even if you don't go to court. Or you can take a leap of faith that God will somehow work in such a way that you'll recover all your money. Pray about it. What does the Spirit move you to do?

I think of Abraham and Sarah. They didn't wait for God's promise to them for their son, because "God took to long". So it was God's foreknowledge that there would be two sons, two nations, and an unending war. All I am saying when I think on this is, I don't know what I am waiting for, just need to wait it out. Thanks for all your comments and scriptures.

 

[shanaynay-deleted]

What about child molestation or trafficing? Shall we give them away to our enemy as well? See that is the problem with using text with no reference. I don't agree with how you are using this in this case either.

Now...I sought counsling from pastors to help me make decisions with my children and in other court related issues. The first attempt I made was to work with the person first. When they were not reasonable then I went to a pastor. When the issue was still unresolved I took it to mediation. When after this issue was still unresolved I took it to court. There are situations reguarding money that are really unreasonable to fight over. Sometimes just the fight is worse than the reward. Keep in mind that when you go to court you will involve others and sometimes when others get involved things can be distorted. I understand you feel violated and that is not fair. I would think about the value you have at stake here. If it is worth fighting after all attempts to resolve out of court are made, then by all means go for it. Some people look for opportunities to rob people of money, integrety, faith, knowledge, etc. This is what they do for a living or just their character. There may be nothing that can be done them in their case... But you also have no idea what is going on with the theif either- mental state, desperation, fear....that is why we should be merciful to one another. However, his issue is not yours and you do not have an obligation to put up with what happened...that is a choice. So when you go to court, have in your heart what is fair and right. Careful not to have vengeance within. How you approach this internally is very key to how it effects you spiritually. Sometimes when we do hold people accountable for their actions they bear a consequence that is vital to their own growth. Just pray that the Lord's will is in it and ask for his Holy Spirit to guide you. I know this is a very hard call to make. If you would like verses that I found helpful please let me know.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:27-31

 

[HumbleSaint]

What about child molestation or trafficing? Shall we give them away to our enemy as well? See that is the problem with using text with no reference. I don't agree with how you are using this in this case either.

I was going to make a statement, but I don't think there is any use. I just put the clear words of Christ didn't even add anything to it and it still gets critiisized. The subject was not on child molestation or trafficing anyway....People have a way of bringing up the worst case sinario's to try to make their point.