Man posing as US soldier allegedly scams woman out of almost $400,000
By Lily Nothling


A foreign national from Africa accused of posing as a soldier from the United States in order to groom a woman he met online, has been charged with fraud after allegedly scamming her out of almost $400,000.

Key points:
A 34-year-old woman began an online romantic relationship with a man in October 2018 via social media
The man had a "well-structured backstory" as a US soldier and convinced her to give him close to $400,000
In a "disturbing" twist, the alleged scammer met with the woman, pretending to be an agent for the US soldier in order to collect the money
Police said the 34-year-old woman began an online romantic relationship with Cosmos Emeh, 32, after befriending him on social media in October 2018.

It is alleged in the following months, she was groomed into believing Mr Emeh was a US soldier, and sent him more than $200,000 through a money transfer service.

Police said he then travelled to the woman's house to collect a further $105,000.

She became suspicious and reported the matter to police after confiding in a close friend.

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Financial and Cyber Crime Group arrested Mr Emeh on Thursday while he was trying to persuade the victim to hand over more money.

He has been charged with one count each of fraud and attempted fraud.

The court heard Mr Emeh is studying a degree at a Brisbane university and denied having any contact with the alleged victim via the internet.

His lawyer told the court he only came into possession of the SIM card used to receive money and contact the alleged victim yesterday.

Mr Emeh appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning where he was denied bail.

Police also executed a search warrant at a Durack home in Brisbane's west and seized a number of items.

Detective Inspector Vince Byrnes from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group said the alleged scammer had cultivated a "well-structured backstory" to deceive the victim.

"There was a backstory with this US military officer that involved the loss of close family members," he said.

"I would categorise this victim as a well-educated young person who has entered into an online relationship based on what she was told."

'Disturbing case'
Detective Inspector Byrnes said when the alleged offender met with the woman to collect money, he pretended to be an agent for the US soldier.

He said the in-person pick up was particularly "disturbing".

"It's very uncommon in Australia or anywhere around the world to have an offender involved in a scam to physically present themselves for the collection of money," he said.

Detective Inspector Byrnes could not say if the woman would get her money back and said police were investigating whether the accused had targeted other victims.

"This is a serious crime that has been perpetrated against somebody which can have a devastating emotional and financial effect upon them," he said.

"In circumstances like this, these generalised type of scams are not limited to one victim."

Detective Inspector Byrnes said people needed to be aware of the "red flags" when forming relationships online.

"The camera doesn't work on their phone so you can't Skype, you can't do it face-to-face — it's these types of methodologies used by the scammers to protect their identity," he said.

US soldier scam is common internationally
Detective Inspector Vince Byrnes addresses the media from a podium at police headquarters.

Detective Superintendent Terry Lawrence said it was a common international scam.

"The US Army Criminal Investigation Command receives hundreds of complaints a month from people who find themselves involved in an online relationship with someone purporting to be a US soldier," he said.

"Usually the offender's interaction with the victim is all online, so this further step of traveling to the victim's home is certainly something we need the public to hear and be warned of today."

Police said the case was an "urgent warning" to the public to be wary of relationships developed online.

"Take the time to evaluate the relationship, talk to friends and other loved ones about your new relationship online — we are thankful the victim in this instance took this step," Detective Superintendent Lawrence said.

https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-11/romance-scam-man-charged-with-fraud/10707828?pfmredir=sm

hello pls i need to speak with or chat with someone on this thread so I don’t loose my mind. My Australia Visa application was refused. Mail came in this morning. I didn’t know a thread like this existed, I’m so pained right now. I need to tlk to someone right now My email is ivychisom9@gmail.com.

Alphadoor:


What occupation is this?
What state is nominating it?
Kindly share your 70/65points breakdown?

Okay, its the 489 Visa Subclass, NT is nominating the occupation.

So here's my breakdown.

The Visa Subclass - 10 points
Age - 30 points
PTE - 10 points
Degree - 15 points
Work Experience - 5 points.

Total - 70 Points.

Xerona:
hello pls i need to speak with or chat with someone on this thread so I don’t loose my mind. My Australia Visa application was refused. Mail came in this morning. I didn’t know a thread like this existed, I’m so pained right now. I need to tlk to someone right now My email is ivychisom9@gmail.com.

Sorry to hear about your visa refusal mate. But I think it will do u alot of good if u share your story here. I'm sure the OGs and the good people on this thread will try to help u with any requisite info.

Misterpaul:

Sorry to hear about your visa refusal mate. But I think it will do u alot of good if u share your story here. I'm sure the OGs and the good people on this thread will try to help u with any requisite info.

ok, let me go straight the point. My husband did use an agent, cos the guy gave him 100% assurance. It was actually a visit visa. He made a down payment of 250k, and 450 to be paid once visa comes out. I think the guy scammed us. See reason for refusal below

Oyetunde10:
Good Afternoon everyone,

So I had a first attempt at PTE and just got my result. Had L-84, R-79, S-70, W-87. It's a bit painful because nine more points in my speaking would have granted me 20 points but I'm still good with 10 points. Once I add this to the requirements under my visa category(subclass 489), I would have a total of 70/65.

Now, my chosen occupation falls under VETASSESs and there's only one state nominating it (Please what are my chances?).

Also, my major confusion is the application process. Is the EOI application different from the VETASSES application? or are they the same thing. Because I can see VETASSES also requires an application process.

Please o, I would really appreciate all necessary feedback, as I want to be very sure of my next step now that I have the PTE Result.

Thank you.

Pls how did you speak in pte

Hello everyone

Pls I need an honest truth. Can 65points get me Invitations for Visa 190, Telecommunication Engineering Skill

Pls I need ur honest input. Thank you.

slimchic08:



Thank you so much for your response Tunlex01.

The role that best suits my work experience is Sales and marketing manager and the accessing body is AIM. But as it stands i do not have any qualification for it... i just grew on the job.

This is where am stuck! How do i go about it? Can I begin the process using this job role? Or is it advisable i look for a job role fitting my BSc qualification?

What's your course of study and what university did you graduate from?

slimchic08:



Thank you so much for your response Tunlex01.

The role that best suits my work experience is Sales and marketing manager and the accessing body is AIM. But as it stands i do not have any qualification for it... i just grew on the job.

This is where am stuck! How do i go about it? Can I begin the process using this job role? Or is it advisable i look for a job role fitting my BSc qualification?

What's your course of study and university did you graduated from?

[quote author=ideamaster post=74609763]


Have a look at the Aitsl website. It says your application is assessed against 2 criteria. Qualification and English test. They don't require experience. You would have to gather more points from other sources like English test

However, your qualification must include supervised teaching practice. thanks and God bless you sir... yes my qualifications include teaching practice both in Nce and BEd and I was well supervised... but how include it (supervised teaching practice)? will I be required to submit any document/records for the teaching practice? thanks in advance

vikmeek:
Hello everyone

Pls I need an honest truth. Can 65points get me Invitations for Visa 190, Telecommunication Engineering Skill

Pls I need ur honest input. Thank you.

Only one way to find out; Apply.

Xerona:
ok, let me go straight the point. My husband did use an agent, cos the guy gave him 100% assurance. It was actually a visit visa. He made a down payment of 250k, and 450 to be paid once visa comes out. I think the guy scammed us. See reason for refusal below

They don't trust 3rd world countries with Sub 600.
Most people that had gotten such did so by submitting evidences of them going to conferences in many other country and returning without violating their visas; unless you have such evidence(s), it will be difficult.
And y'all suppose attach some tangible evidence of solid link back home.
-Landing Property.
-Ongoing Business that you are playing a major part in.
-Conferences attended* (local & International*)
-Then Grace.(what worked for Mr.A may not work for Mr.B)

DoDirtsLikeWorm:


Only one way to find out; Apply.

Ok , it’s true

But pls for those that did EA assessment, I want to apply as Telecom Engineer, did EA prescribe a particular Job Description for this skill or I can write down in my reference what I do exactly

Secondly what other requirements are needed for EA assessment aside academic qualifications and employment references.

Pls guys kindly help out. Thank you all

Thanks to you all that ekes out your time to attend to the inquires of the prospective Australia immigrants.

I'm a nursing student of one of the state universities in Nigeria.
I have a plan of migrating to Australia after graduation. I have gone through many threads here about Australia immigration and I must say that I have gained a lot.

I decided that immediately after graduation, I will talk to a medical director of a private hospital to give me an employment letter and also to be paying a specific amount of money to my account as an employee for two years.

In those two years, I will be running my internship program and also NYSC which I THINK can't stand as years of experience.

This is just the plan of a naive fellow.

Will this be possible, I need your opinions.
Thanks.

koleefem05:
And why Agric Consultant, not Scientist? Let me try squeeze out some time. I'll chat you on whatsapp. Regards.

Hi there,pls I need your advice. A Friend got a negative response from vetasses as a forester mainly because of the job description,how can we fix this pls? Thanks

There is no option than to re-assess. And now, it’s more complex than before. Let me take a look at his documents and see how he can make some adjustments. Was he interviewed on phone? You can reach me by adding “atyahoodotcom” to my moniker.

timikenzo2:

Hi there,pls I need your advice. A Friend got a negative response from vetasses as a forester mainly because of the job description,how can we fix this pls? Thanks

Good evening and happy Sunday
Pls my sis read nursing in ubth(RN and peadratic,) which assessing body will she use and how does she go about it.pls help i need guidance

I love this strategy.. Big kudos

AquilaOvum:
Thanks to you all that ekes out your time to attend to the inquires of the prospective Australia immigrants.

I'm a nursing student of one of the state universities in Nigeria.
I have a plan of migrating to Australia after graduation. I have gone through many threads here about Australia immigration and I must say that I have gained a lot.

I decided that immediately after graduation, I will talk to a medical director of a private hospital to give me an employment letter and also to be paying a specific amount of money to my account as an employee for two years.

In those two years, I will be running my internship program and also NYSC which I THINK can't stand as years of experience.

This is just the plan of a naive fellow.

Will this be possible, I need your opinions.
Thanks.

Xerona:
ok, let me go straight the point. My husband did use an agent, cos the guy gave him 100% assurance. It was actually a visit visa. He made a down payment of 250k, and 450 to be paid once visa comes out. I think the guy scammed us. See reason for refusal below

Sorry to hear about your visa being refused. You should know that no agent is a consular, and cannot guarantee your visa acceptance 100%, it's all try n error, though, most of these agents lie a lot.

AquilaOvum:
Thanks to you all that ekes out your time to attend to the inquires of the prospective Australia immigrants.

I'm a nursing student of one of the state universities in Nigeria.
I have a plan of migrating to Australia after graduation. I have gone through many threads here about Australia immigration and I must say that I have gained a lot.

I decided that immediately after graduation, I will talk to a medical director of a private hospital to give me an employment letter and also to be paying a specific amount of money to my account as an employee for two years.

In those two years, I will be running my internship program and also NYSC which I THINK can't stand as years of experience.

This is just the plan of a naive fellow.

Will this be possible, I need your opinions.
Thanks.

I think you need to to a course in Australia as a nurse to be qualified to migrate as a nurse.

It's not as straight forward as other skills.

koleefem05:
There is no option than to re-assess. And now, it’s more complex than before. Let me take a look at his documents and see how he can make some adjustments. Was he interviewed on phone? You can reach me by adding “atyahoodotcom” to my moniker.

Thanks for your response,pls check your mailbox.

ozonechrome:



I think you need to to a course in Australia as a nurse to be qualified to migrate as a nurse.

It's not as straight forward as other skills.

Does that mean going through the masters degree route will be better?
I'm interested in psychiatric nursing.

AquilaOvum:

Does that mean going through the masters degree route will be better?
I'm interested in psychiatric nursing.

That's it.
Get in an attack from the inside. (Good attacks oOo )

please knowledge is power... pardon me if you perceive this bad but I need to know this please...
like how much of an average estimate one can have to be sure of entering Australia legally assuming all other documents(required certificate and documents) are available?

from IELTS to visa to flight to a month average apartment... all on average... like how much in naira.. on a PR Visa

Obyroli:
Good evening and happy Sunday
Pls my sis read nursing in ubth(RN and peadratic,) which assessing body will she use and how does she go about it.pls help i need guidance

Please can someone answer me.Thanks

7m

Saintbusco1:
please knowledge is power... pardon me if you perceive this bad but I need to know this please...
like how much of an average estimate one can have to be sure of entering Australia legally assuming all other documents(required certificate and documents) are available?

from IELTS to visa to flight to a month average apartment... all on average... like how much in naira.. on a PR Visa

AquilaOvum:

Does that mean going through the masters degree route will be better?
I'm interested in psychiatric nursing.

Mamajaz will be in a better position to advise you.

how long does it take engineers Australia to reply ?, submitted cdr since November first,last year....very anxious

Hey guys
Great jobs you guys are doing
Very educating

I quickly want to ask few questions to know if I fit in here coz I have always known Australia to be a very tough location with a rigorous visa processes

Graduated ten years back
Mech Engr with second class upper
Fortunately, I am not practicing as an Engr rather I run/manage filling station business
Have got registered company
Have a personal bank account with good-heavy cash flow but a manageable account balance
I intend to write ielts too
Newly married

Are there chances for graduates but self employed? Which skills with they fit into?
Please I need an advise and guideline
Make I join una biko
Many thanks

Elders in the house, am yet to get any feedback, please help. See below my question.


Dear great team, Compliment of the season. I started my Australia journey since 2016 unfortunately i stopped. I need to reactivate my interest.

So far i have the following.

Completed my MSA as Engineering technologist.
IELTS completed but will expire next month: But have written a new one last week. 7.5. 7.0. 7.0 7.0 current IELTS
Age: 37
Work experience : 6 years

Elders in the house please advice which of the class of VISA can i apply for at this point. I have made up my mind to join una oh.

God bless.

With your age, education, English lang. test and work experience (optional), you can give it a shot.
You may need to read the thread from page 1 to get the hang of it.

oluwaleokey:
Hey guys
Great jobs you guys are doing
Very educating

I quickly want to ask few questions to know if I fit in here coz I have always known Australia to be a very tough location with a rigorous visa processes

Graduated ten years back
Mech Engr with second class upper
Fortunately, I am not practicing as an Engr rather I run/manage filling station business
Have got registered company
Have a personal bank account with good-heavy cash flow but a manageable account balance
I intend to write ielts too
Newly married

Are there chances for graduates but self employed? Which skills with they fit into?
Please I need an advise and guideline
Make I join una biko
Many thanks

TRed:


Your friend will loose point with experience if he/she assess for ICT occupation because his/her degree is not related and due to his/her age bracket he/she will not be able to compete if he/she eventually gets a positive outcome in skill assessment. ICT occupations are highly competitive.

Verify if your friend's role is data administrator or database administrator.

If data administrator, he/she may be able to assess as records manager with vetassess which is only available for 190 &489 visas. With that he/she should hope for the following points;
Age : 15pts
Degree: 15pts ( if his/her degree is from a tier 1 uni)
Experience: 10pts
English :20points
State sponsorship: 5/10
Total:. 65/70

Note: records manager is a skill level 1 occupation and you can only qualify to assess for this if you attended a tier 1 University or a 5yr course in Nigeria.

Thank you very much and sorry for late response.

He's a Database Administrator and finished from the University of Ibadan. Thank you.