SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Updated: Originally Published in 2016
Rest In Peace Boyati
Boyati was a domestic worker from Indonesia living and working for a family in Hong Kong.
Alone and vulnerable in an alien land she turned to the Internet for her connection with home and family.
In 2011, Boyati met “David Mark” online, a man who claimed to be a U.S. Amy veteran living in Ghana. Nearly four years of correspondence transpired before Mark told Boyati he was going to retire and move to Indonesia to be with her. However, Mark told Boyati that he had $75,000 of gold stored Ghana. He put the “gold certificate” in Boyati’s name, claiming it would soon be sent to her in Indonesia.
Boyati then received an email from Captain Samuel Friday asking her to send close to $50,000 to pay a customs clearance tax in order to retrieve the gold. Boyati did pay, but Friday alerted her afterward that she had not paid on time. Then she began receiving death threats.
Boyati went to the Indonesian consulate in Hong Kong for help, but officials there explained to her that she was being scammed.
After four years of manipulation, she was firmly under the control of her scammers.
“She got angry when I said Mark is part of the scammers, and that it was impossible for anybody to send 75 kilos of gold to someone he only knew [from the] Internet,” said Indonesian Vice Consul Rafail Walangitan. “She also refused to change her phone number, email, and Facebook to ‘break up’ with Mark,” said Rafail.
Boyati Miskun was found dead on July 22, hanging on the stairway in her employer’s building in Ngau Tau Kok. Her suicide was believed to be brought about by the debts incurred from her sending money to internet scammers abroad who pretended to be her boyfriend.
Boyati Refused To Believe That Mark Was In On The Scam, Eventually Hanging Herself Out Of Despair!
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Boyati Miskun Foundation – In Memoriam
Helping Those At Risk
The Boyati Foundation was created on December 24, 2015
The Boyati Miskun Foundation was established as a memorial for the education and assistance of victims of global online fraud. The foundation is an initiative of and managed by the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams [SCARS] www.AgainstScams.org »
No one knows exactly how many tragically lost souls are taken by suicide resulting from deception caused by online fraudsters or scammers. Some say the number is in the thousands, perhaps tens of thousands each year.
Online fraud is a plague in today’s world, destroying lives and taking those most vulnerable.
Our goal is first and foremost to remember the cost and honor those that are no longer here to tell their story. In time, we hope to effect a change in this world of fraud and deceit, to educate and inform others so they can avoid the tragic outcome of Boyati and so many nameless others. We hope to effect a change in attitude on the part of law enforcement worldwide, that these are not faceless victims that suffer in silence. These are real people tormented by a few that must be brought to justice.
There can never be justice or rest for the fallen until the criminals that harm so many receive the full measure of punishment to fit their crimes. All we ask, at this time, only that you say a prayer for Boyati, and do all that you can to support those that fight the good fight on her behalf.
God Bless You Boyati
May You Find Peace At Last
You Will Be Remembered
Southeast Asian Billboards featuring Boyati Miskun
To learn more about Boyati Miskun and the Boyati Miskun Foundation from the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams click here: www.facebook.com/Boyati.Miskun.Foundation »
Boyati-Miskun – Old SCARS Logo
In remembrance of Boyati Miskun the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams [SCARS] displays billboards in poorer cities in Southeast Asia to alert domestic workers of the risks of romance scams.
The Foundation suspended its activities in February 2020 for the duration of the pandemic and will restart at a future date.
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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