A guy jokingly tries to trick a “scammer,” but it was a life-changing experience for everyone – not just for the African guy but also for himself and this other person’s village! It’s quite amazing.
Guy’s Life-Changing Experience after “Scammer” Message
Do you believe in destiny? That seems to be the case for Ben Taylor from Utah and Joel Willie from Liberia, West Africa.
One day, Ben received a message from Joel, asking for money.
“My name is Joel from Liberia, West Africa. I need some assistance from you. Business or financial assistance that will help empower me,” the message read.
Considering how there are so many internet scammers out there, especially from Africa, this is really nothing new.
Of course, Ben could have ignored it. But he decided to jokingly trick this “scammer.”
“How can I help?” he replied.
Photo credit: Prince Ike
He didn’t mean it, really, but he was curious what the “scam operation” works, how they bait people.
Joel proposed that Ben send used electronics (to some address in New Jersey). The electronics were to be sold, then they’ll split the profits.
Ben was skeptical, especially after checking out the address on Google Earth. However, Joel insisted he’s honest and would never take advantage of someone.
Of course, Ben didn’t believe that, but he lied to Joel and told him he owned a photography business. He promised Joel he’ll pay for a nice Liberian sunset photo or something.
Joel actually sent him two photos, though they don’t actually look a lot like sunset photos.
Again, Ben lied and told him the photos were great, but conceded that Joel just needs a better camera.
What’s hilarious is that Ben actually spent $60 to buy a camera for Joel – and shipped it to Africa! Hmmm. Guess he’s fallen for the “scam” after all, huh?
Ben was really just trolling Joel, but the African guy was serious – and would soon improve his photography skills.
Soon, Ben was worried because he had promised Joel he’ll pay him for the photos – and he’s fast becoming the “scammer” now that the other guy is actually delivering some good ones!
Ben decided to create a book to sell on the internet, featuring Joel’s photos and giving it a title, “By D Grace of God” (something Joel uses in his messages).
Amazingly, they raised $1,000 as people bought from around the world.
Though they had originally “planned” to split the profits, Ben told Joel he can keep $500 (that’s worth a year’s salary in Liberia), and the other $500 should be donated to charity.
He didn’t really think Joel would do as instructed, but he was surprised to see photos of what Joel did with the money. The African bought dozens of school bags, notebooks, and other stuff – then rented a vehicle to distribute this to 5 schools!
Ben was shocked and amazed, too.
He traveled to Liberia to personally meet Joel – and it was truly an amazing life-changing experience.
Watch the video here:
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Although this story is amazing, there are still more scammers out there than good people like Joel. Here are ways to avoid getting scammed:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – beware
- Don’t send money to someone you don’t know, especially if they promise you’ll get very high profits with your money
- Research
- Never open emails promising money, business, lottery prizes, etc.
- Keep your computer and mobile devices updated, especially with virus scanners