Cart is empty Well, this is what happened to me in the fateful year, 2023, when the seemingly benign decision to befriend someone online brought catastrophic consequences.
Having worked in the field of mental health for many years, I have encountered heart-breaking stories and walked alongside others as they navigated the most difficult paths of their lives, helping them hold onto hope while confronting life and death and no win situations.
I have travelled these journeys many times and know the debilitating nature of the emotions they bring – but always from the sidelines.
I was unprepared for the depth of my own pain and shame when I experienced being scammed. As terrible as this experience was it also made me stronger and now I am willing to share this story with you.
The “Crypto Queen: you are a mark” is a true-crime inspired non-fiction based in contemporary Melbourne. The book tells a story of Pati, empathic social worker, who engages in an on-line conversation with a stranger. Little does she know that what starts like a frivolous playful banter turns her world upside down as she becomes entrapped in an insidious scamming syndicate. This event changes her life forever, leaving long lasting consequences.
The book touches on contemporary topic of scamming affecting our communities globally, aiming to break the stigma attached to the topic through telling the real-life story and the impact it creates.
Because, it made me stronger and gave me courage I never knew I had, including the courage to write this book. That is, in fact the biggest learning I drew from the whole experience. The most challenging situations in life are the ones that really force us to reflect on the life we live, creating invaluable points of reflection; changing us forever!