This Morning viewers were left divided today (August 2), as a guest explained how she found herself scammed out of £113,000.
On Monday’s show, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford sat down with Rachel to discuss her story.
Rachel explained how she hit it off with a potential admirer online, before things took a turn for the worse.
What happened on This Morning today?
Discussing their relationship, Rachel said: “We were going to meet up but there were Covid restrictions, so we weren’t in any rush.
“Then he said he won a contract to go and work in the Ukraine.”
Rachel went on to reveal how Stephen asked to lend some money to help with his food and taxes.
Read more: Heather Bone leaves viewers and Ruth Langsford in tears with This Morning appearance
Despite initially asking for a “couple of hundred”, Rachel later found herself lending a lot more.
Steve later asked for more money to help with a growing tax bill.
He also convinced Rachel that he had been kidnapped by Russian loan sharks over the debt.
The guest went on: “I thought this cannot be real, but when he was having a conversation with me he was screaming and crying for his life. Honestly, how that plays on your emotions is crazy.”
Her mum and sister were both worried, however Rachel believed she was doing the right thing.
Rachel broke down as she revealed she’s now in £113,000 worth of debt.
The guest, who is facing bankruptcy, added: “I had been groomed at 50-years-old by online predators.”
Eamonn later said: “We’re sorry this has happened to you.”
However, viewers at home didn’t feel as sympathetic towards Rachel.
How did ITV viewers react?
On Twitter, one wrote: “Sorry, but I don’t think it can happen to anyone, unless you are extremely naive.
“You don’t send a penny to anyone online, never mind £113K!”
A second added: “C’mon man… why would you hand over even a tenner to someone you have never met?”
How can she have 113k and give it all away?!
A third shared: “Serves you right, how can she have 113k and give it all away?! #thismorning.”
Another tweeted: “You’re not a victim, you’ve not been groomed, you’re deluded.”
A fifth complained: “Rachel = MUG @thismorning. I wouldn’t even lend my brother a fiver!!”
https://twitter.com/Peckham_Heights/status/1422141263260880903
https://twitter.com/Laura_Newton560/status/1422140642734469121
I’m sorry but I have no sympathy for you lovey, you won’t get any from me, you deserved to be scammed you stupid fool #thismorning
— Dave (@DavidMackayy) August 2, 2021
“The bank warned you!!! You can’t then expect them to anything more 100% YOUR FAULT,” a sixth wrote.
Meanwhile, others likened Rachel’s story to a movie plot.
One shared: “Sounds like a new Taken plot.”
Read more: Rochelle Humes divides This Morning viewers as she cooks a Thai green curry
Another agreed: “Who’s going to star in the movie for Netflix #ThisMorning.”
However, some viewers did feel sorry for the emotional guest.
One sympathetic viewer said: “This is crazy feel awful for her £113,000 lost I would cry.”
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