a bad scene

This has been a hard month for me. My anxiety has been through the roof like never before; even so much as to feel like I'm having a heart attack. I even passed out the other night.


Seems I have fallen victim of a scam. I was trying to do the right thing, and it blew up in my face.

Several months ago I met a man online via Facebook whom I've been getting to know. I expressed to him my desire to get some kind of a part time job to supplement my social security disability benefits. He brought up the possibility of getting a job with his company, doing stuff like faxing and scanning, and generally clerical work that could be done from home. This sounded so great to me, as I have been out of work for several years due to my depression and anxiety, and working at home would be a godsend.

I received an employment application from the company, and quickly filled it out. Things were looking good. They wanted to establish direct deposit for paychecks, so I gave them my bank information. They said there would be a small withdrawal, and then a return of funds. Well, the withdrawal wasn't so small, and it was taken out in four increments, totally $1200 (the near total of my social security benefit for the month) before I even had time to notice it. I didn't even get to pay my rent or my utilities this month. The man I'm speaking with online claims not to know of what's happening or why, but I cannot trust him anymore either, I guess. I report this all to my bank, and they had to close the account due to it being compromised, and they are investigating the matter. I gave them my "friend's" email address, since it all started with him, and now he is no longer responding to my emails because I guess he is getting investigated, along with the company. Gave them whatever information I had on them. They say it could be months before it's resolved, if ever.

So, I have been sick all month, wondering how I'm going to survive.

There is some good news, though. A true online friend heard of my situation when I wrote about it on a forum I've frequented for a dozen years or so, and he came through for me, and sent me a thousand dollars. Have to pick it up from the post office today. This was totally unexpected, and I am incredibly thankful. There are some truly special people in the world.

This has taken a very heavy toll on me. I will have to pay my utilities which are in danger of getting shut off first, and then a partial payment for my rent. It boggles my brain how I will ever get even, but at least I'm am getting a good head start with my friend's help.