Henri, 36, lived a quiet life in a small town in southern Finland. He worked in logistics, enjoyed nature, and often spent evenings watching YouTube or scrolling through TikTok. He wasn’t active on dating apps — but one night, a woman named “Nadia” messaged him after he commented on a video about travel.
She had a soft smile, a kind tone, and said she liked “calm, honest men.” Her profile showed her hiking, reading, even a few cooking videos. They started talking — casually at first — but within days, she was sending Henri selfies and voice messages. She said he made her laugh. That she liked how “gentle” he was.
It felt good. Different. Real.
After a week, Nadia suggested they move to Telegram. “TikTok is too public,” she said. Henri agreed.
Their chats became flirtier. She asked about his past relationships, if he wanted a family. Henri hadn’t opened up to anyone in months. She made it easy. Comfortable.
Then, one evening, Nadia told him she wanted to send him “something special,” but her mobile data had run out. She asked,
“Could you help with a €10 recharge card? Just this once?”
Henri hesitated, but €10 wasn’t much. He sent it.
The next day she sent a blurry photo — seductive, but not revealing. Then said she had more, but her internet was still unstable. She promised a video if he could help again.
In total, over two weeks, Henri sent her €75 in recharge codes. And every time, she promised more — “soon.”
Finally, when he asked for a real video call, Nadia replied:
“I don’t do that. You should trust me by now.”
That’s when it hit him.
Henri reverse-searched her photos — and found a dozen profiles across different apps, all with different names. Same face.
He felt sick.
He blocked her and deleted the chat history. The hardest part wasn’t the money — it was the shame. He hadn’t told anyone. He thought he’d been smarter.
Lesson Learned:
Scammers don’t always push hard — they charm you softly, then test you. If someone avoids a real call, keeps asking for “just a little,” and always needs one more thing… step back. You’re being played.