The search of workshop took me to lots of places and I experienced a lot of disappointment. The most challenging aspect of the situation was that I was not having money. So, I was searching for a place that would be very cheap or a place that they would be collecting a monthly payment from me (monthly basis) That made me to fall prey to a fraudster.

It happened on a day that I saw advert for an open place for mechanic work and other accommodations.

As I was going through the write up, a well-dressed young man approached me.

“Hello sir. Seems you are in need of accommodation. I am an Estate Agent. I am the one that placed the advert.”

“I am not searching for accommodation, my interest actually is on open space for mechanic work,” I answered him.

“That is not a problem. I actually have one. It is just that it is always in high demand. That one you are seeing there may not be available tomorrow morning. Another thing is that I always give my customers consideration especially when I notice that they are honest people. I can beg the landlord to allow them be paying on monthly basis.”

Immediately I heard that last statement, I lost my mind.

“Please I am interested. Just help me to have the place. I will not disappoint you.”

“Alright. First let us go to the place after you have seen it we will go to my office and talk.”

He took me to the place . A very big compound that faces a major road. I was so happy because that looks like an answer to prayer after showing me round we went back to a place he told me is his office. We sat at a corner and started discussion.

“Mr. Iyk, how did you see the place?”

“It’s is fine . I really like it.”

We negotiated on the amount to be paid monthly, I must confess it was fair. The icing on the cake was that he told me that the landlord will agree on 2 months initial deposit, after which I will be making monthly payments.

“Please when are we seeing the landlord.”

“The landlord travelled but he will be back on Saturday. If you want to secure this place even before he comes back, you can come and make the initial payment. Alternatively, you can come on Saturday and make your payment. But I can’t guarantee you that the space will be available till then. As a matter of fact somebody promised to bring money on Friday. If he comes with the money, I will not reject it.”

At that point, I remember all the suffering that I have gone through trying to secure a place. I made up my mind that I would not allow that opportunity slip through my fingers.

“Please give me 30 minutes, I will be back with the 2 months initial deposit.”

I quickly rushed down to my house and brought the money for him. We agreed that I come and see the landlord on Saturday. We exchanged phone numbers and he promised to contact me on Saturday when the landlord comes back. On Saturday, I waited from morning till afternoon but he didn’t call my phone. I decided to call his phone but it was switched off. I quickly went to the place we met and inquire of him. That was when it occurred to me that I have been duped. I was informed the place is meant for people that don’t have office. They come there and receive their guests. Afterwards, they pay for the service.

It was a painful experience for me. It brought back all the pains I have been fighting hard to put behind me. The struggle continued.

Watch out for the next episode