An online loan-shark scam that has allegedly claimed the life of a duped victim is being investigated by police.
People desperate for cash claim a man called “Tam” has ripped them off on the classified ads website Craigslist.
In the most tragic example, a man claims his father took his own life after falling victim to the cold-hearted thief.
He posted on Craigslist: “This is for all you scammers who scammed my father. My father died yesterday after attempting to take his life but died yesterday in hospital.”
He added a threat: “To the guy who calls himself TAM, you are a dead man walking!”
According to one of Tam’s adverts, he is based in Glasgow and provides loans “with reasonable interest and quick payouts”.
It states there’s an upfront fee, which will be refunded after the third repayment.
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A Glasgow -based victim said he replied to an advert by Tam when he needed £1000 for car repairs last month. He asked for proof of who he was dealing with and was sent a copy of a passport photo page.
He said: “I thought that meant he was genuine and sent him my security deposit, but I didn’t get my loan and didn’t hear back from him again.”
A 32-year-old single mum from Glasgow said she lost her £250 “security deposit” after applying for £1000 when she was in rent arrears.
She said: “I paid Tam the last of my money by electronic bank transfer but I never heard from him again.
“I feel so stupid but I was so desperate at the time and didn’t want to end up on the streets.”
The Record has established the passport is that of a convicted drug dealer from Rutherglen, near Glasgow, who was sentenced to six months in prison in January last year.
We are not naming him because there is no obvious evidence that he is involved in the scam.
Police yesterday confirmed officers are aware of the fraud allegations and that the matter is being investigated.
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