Category Archives: Runderstandings

Atta Girls!

Didnt quite get to offload this from my emotional tank since I came back, finally have the time now.

TL;DR:
I got bullied at the tax-refund office. Stood up for myself (experienced a range of emotions along the way). More and more women are standing up for themselves. Atta girls!

So, we needed to get a stamp from the tax-refund office at the airport before we depart from the country. This stamp indicates that goods have been brought out of country and is validated to be exported (i.e. not bought at a tax-free price to be sold inland). Otherwise, we would need to pay a penalty on top of the tax-refund fee. Being a law-abiding citizen of Singapore we make sure to get all the paper works and join the appropriate queues to get that precious stamp.

I was 10 over person behind in the queue when we noticed an angmo being rejected by the customs i.e refusing to give him the stamp (tax-refund officers would direct customers with too-big a figure of receipt to the customs for verification), the angmo stood around, probably thinking what to do or how to deal with the situation. I didnt bother about him, he’s not my problem.

Soon enough, it was almost my turn. I noticed the officer’s interaction with the previous traveller. She was flustered, coughing, lifting up her bottle (as though showing she needs to go get water), trying to indicate, tell the traveller that goods inspection was after immigration. The traveller misunderstood, asking, pointing if he needs to go join the above-stated customs line. After much through and fro, she gave up and walked away to top up her bottle (I supposed) he walked to the customs line.
I was thinking, poor thing, she seems unwell and the line of travellers getting refund seems never ending (need not mention about some travellers who might have given her a hard time previously).

I stood at the line, waiting for the next available counter. She came back, made eye-contact and signal me to go over.

I had 2 slips, 1 for cash refund, already received at the mall, the other for credit card, to be credited sometime down the road when I arrived back at Singapore. The tour manager warns us to take a picture of the stamp should the tax refund office keeps the receipt so that should there be further questioning, we have a proof of validation.

I stepped up, presented my receipts, mentioned that one has already been refunded and the other, I would like to get in cash if possible. She said “okay, I know”, proceeded to do the returns in USD, I asked if I could get Euro instead, she said ran out, so I asked my husband to get refund in USD or in credit card. we chose credit card. She carried on her task. My husband walked away. 🙂

I explained that that was my first time, I wasnt sure what was happening, she winked at me and smile said its okay. Sure. 🙂 I stood there and left her to do her job.

I saw her process my 1st cash-refunded receipt. After stamping, she clipped it in a stack. She carried on to the credit card one. She gave me back a new receipt. I panic as the receipt does not have a stamp. I stop and slip the receipt back, “But the receipt does not have a stamp,” I said.

Thats when she lost it. “Trust me, lady, its there, your details, your credit card number,” she even took a highlighter and highlighted my credit card details.

I said “okay, okay” I walked away since she seems to know what I was talking about. and she said “trust me” ma… so I leave her alone.

As I turned, I checked again, okay that figure is for credit card refund. hmm.. but what about the figure from the other cash refund receipt? I turn back again, waited behind the next-customer whom she is attending to.

When the next-customer left, I present her the receipt and said “what about the cash-refund receipt?” I then pointed to that above-mentioned stack. “I need to take a picture, just a picture.” 🙁

She then took that new-issued credit card refund receipt and proceed to highlight the amount, “here is the amount, no need stamp, this is okay, trust me,” she tried to explain, looking like she is almost breaking down… 🙁 I seriously feel so heartbroken for her.

“no, no, no, this one, this one,” I pointed to the stack where she clipped my cash-refunded receipt again and said “just a picture” as I held up my phone and act as though I was taking a picture. To my horror, she stood up, took the stack and put it on her rolling chair and push everything backwards, further into the office.

“no, no, no, just a picture,” again, I said, gesturing with my phone.

“its okay, its okay,” I heard that as someone shoved me from my left. (I obviously stood my ground and not move).

WAH. you have no idea the anger in me at that point of time. (yup, woman’s emotions are like that.. one moment my heart is all out for the tax-refund officer, cos it was a very simple miscomm, just put the stamp-receipt at the counter, I will take a picture and I will leave you alone; the next, Anger was coursing through my blood.)

I stopped what I was saying put down my phone and the stuff on my hands, turned and looked at him. Tall, probably in the late 40s, ang mo, my head was probably at his shoulder level, big built.

In a calm and definitely not soft voice (without hand gesture), “GO AWAY”.

The person got it, and he said “okay okay”. Stood there quietly.

and I got back on with my case.

Again I said “picture of the stamp” (gesturing with the phone), “cash-refund receipt”. Then I think she got it. She took the stack, took out mine and left it at the counter.

I positioned it, took a photo and then returned it. “I’m so sorry, thank you. Its my first time.” smiled at her. She winked at me again. I turned and noticed my husband, he asked what happened. I refused to respond and walked to a corner with him.

I scolded him, “why were you not there with me to deal with that guy,” “why do I have to raise my voice at him instead of you doing it?” again, I asked. I explained the situation in short and asked for a hug. “He tried to push me away while I was trying to ask for the cash-refund receipt to take a picture of the stamp,” the husband understood and nodded. “I noticed that guy, he had trouble with the customs and has been going counter to counter. The customs officer just ignored him and went away.” he explained. “I was just trying to deal with my problem,” I half spoke in an inaudible voice, while going in for a hug. Tears welled up in my eyes…
(pity-anger-sadness, yup, all within 10 minutes)

Although I got the intruder to not dismiss me, I felt so bullied seriously, so disrupted, so disrespect. How dare he!

That angmo…. bloody piece of crap.
There’s a saying in chinese, 老虎不发挥就把我当病猫 loosely translated as “dont treat a tiger as a sick cat just because the tiger didnt exert itself”.

Girls are standing up for themselves more and more. Atta girl!

Thanks for coming by and spending time.

Be Blessed

Love,
Amanda

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Slow down and Breathe…

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I used to click really fast on my Qoo10 transactions and stuff. But I began to slow down. I realise that its not because my mental processing has become weaken.. but because I am more careful now. I want to be sure what I’m clicking for, is there more checks or parts that I can get price reduced or have unnecessary charges or alternative ways of payment that gets me a better deal.

Maybe thats how people that are very careful works. Not because they are unconfident, not because they are old and declining. But because they are just more careful.

I think I made enough mistake because of carelessness.
I think we can all make less mistakes.

So lets slow down and take it in. Take it all in….
*breathe…..

Thanks for coming by

Be Blessed
Love,
Amanda

October Guy

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The October guy happened very fast. One week, less than one week?
Chatted with him from online, he seems impressive. Supposedly a business owner. Intellectual?

He was all serious like me. Seldom joke in our communications.

Asks and listens to perspective and challenges what we communicate.

Owns a company that rents out vehicles for private hire,
Owns a delivery services company.

So, came the season that I was back in SG and he wanted to meet. Sure 🙂

We arranged to meet on a Saturday evening, If I didnt remember wrong.
Friday morning we had a chat on the phone, something about what show to watch and what to have for dinner. Then he asked what phone im using, which SP im with. So I said, Singtel, sim-card only.

Then in the afternoon, he sent a photo, it was a BM that is crashed in the front. He said he got into an accident while on the way to pick up snacks for his nephew.
Okay, Ive no reason to doubt, I cant be bothered. So he said he needs to make arrangement with his driver who is driving the company van so that he has a car for the weekend. Possibly help him speed up his delivery work too. Oh ok, sure. None of my business, nothing to do with me. Dont need him to drive me around. Booked the tickets for the movie the next day.

So came Saturday. He was late for movie. Didnt pay me back. Last minute asked me to help him buy a drink. Sure. Should have been earlier rather than buy from theatre at ridiculous price.

Then after the movie, I thought he was nice, sincere, serious, stable. We chatted and made out. Then he asked what I was doing the next day. I said hanging out with dad then flying back. Then he explained that he needs to go and sign for a phone, iphone cos better to have 2 systems to back up his data. fair enough since he is a business owner. He wanted to pass on one of his phone to the father. Something about needing to get home to check newspaper and online for roadshow promotion.

Then explained, not Starhub bcos they blacklist him for not paying $80 for a setup that didnt stream the channels he wanted. Not M1 bcos he made a overseas call while in Singapore but was charged a roaming price of dunno $300 or $500. So he has to sign with Singtel.

Sent me home.

Called while driving saying to chat to keep him awake. okay sure. Said he called the hotlines to check on promo after I got off to sign. Said tomorrow would be a good day to sign. SINCE I AM FLYING OFF.
His intention was to have me sign for him with Singtel. Because he has the max number of line with Singtel already.

I hated pitching… like trying to sell me something. So I cut him off saying, okay fine i will sign for him.
Then after I got off the phone, I felt weird. I dont know him enough. I dont even know his last name. only met him once. He said lets use that 2 years to proof his sincerity towards our relationship. Mind you, his plan is the top end $100+ a month kind.

So I text him saying to send me a picture of his pink IC, front and back. He can blank out his IC number, its fine. I explained that I was scammed before and I would like to protect myself this time.

Thats when all hell broke lose. He said he is real, he has nothing to proof. He said I went back on my words. He was very insistent wanting to know if its a yes or no. then along the line of what rubbish teacher i am, dunno how to read text is it? Dunno how to answer yes or no question isnt it? Said I threw away the possibility of us being together, that he was serious. I said I still have hope for us and you can guess what he answer.

He even the cheek to say yes he planned it all, including the movie, the drink, the cheap make out session in the van. such defeating words. no value… at all.

Verbally abusive with all the vulgar language.

Its so sad.
Something that can be so beautiful, went to the ground, just like that.
Supposed to be a business owner, how come he can be so abusive and impulsive? Thats not very good, business

Hoax? Scam? Out to take advantage?
I dont know, I dont really care anymore. He was verbally abusive. That was all.

Be careful ladies.

Thanks for coming by

Be Blessed
Love,
Amanda

Hello 2018!!

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Realised that I’m pretty frivolous in the way I spent money last year. I did 2 staycation (for purposes) in this short 3 weeks break. HAIYO! (But to defend myself, I did pause at the 2nd one and hesitated.) This year will be better! They say, if you dont know how to spend, you dont know how to earn right. OKAY MAN!! I will earn extra, very many this year! I am awesome and nothing can stop me!! 😀
Actually, nothing spectacular, worth me writing about for the year 2017. But well, when in Rome, do as Roman do.

Let me go flip flip my diary. Review the past so I can be better in the future.

Wah, I actually went Macritchie Tree Top and did like multiple walks in Bukit Timah in the short 2 weeks on Dec 2016. Christmas Wonderland at GBB. That is memorable. 😀 Bcos I thought its open at 3pm (like thought its a indoor thing) and, I was all dressed up and pretty, walked from the MRT station in the drizzle to get there. Then nope, its not open yet, went to meet the Kor and gf for dinner, then went back at 7pm to check it out, only to realise that there really isnt much.

I went Taipei in January! That zoo trip! that eerie area.. 😀 Dont remember much about the other animals besides the Bison and feeling grateful for the variety of animals that the SG zoo has upon hearing some other tourist’s conversation. The got-lucky-cos-I-went-early trip at the public hot spring (cos they had to close due to lack of water, after my batch) MUAHAHHAHA! OH and the cable car ride up MaoKong, cannot siA, took it up, like want to puke like that. then took a cab ride down. Interesting. Oh yes, I missed Chun Shui Tang’s bubble tea. :)¬¬¬¬ Bought my 3S and 3 for the dad. Spectacular CNY, cos I threw up on the way to visits on the 2nd day – migraine dont know due to spinal issues or woman problem. interesting.

Suprisingly, the highlight of February was with 2 students. One is my own growth, the other is to help the child deal with his differences. 🙂 Of course, the spectacular teeths…. Around the 6/3, had issues with 2 teeth, crown and root. :/ then 27th, came back to SG to have the roots and the wisdom teeth removed. My wisdom tooth was very pretty! 😀

March is when I started watching Goblin. Courtesy of Iris. 😀 and Telcomsel.

April, had a hangout with a interesting teacher. It bags the question, if hangout needs an objective or a purpose. Then its not a hangout after all isnt it? Last day of April also sees me chatting with a guy thats… lets just call him Batman. 😀 yea, nice guy that didnt work out. In fact my whole month of May was all about him. The whole get to know part.

June sees Batman fading away, Mr T rising. My birthday! Situation being taken advantage of. OH! and declutter too. 11 Red bags for the Salvation Army. and then the crazy stroll at Bukit Timah and that one-time-and-never-again scale from Diary Farm up to Bukit Timah on the 27th.. O_O Madness. of course MacRitchie again. Babies gratuated…
Decluttering was fun, lots of old memories, of relationship that didnt happen (but were recorded in my own way of course). Identification cards that were significant.

July, went Jogjakarta, visited Borobudur for the first time. Highlight? heh….. kanna the same spot of Tomcat as the previous time. :/

August started beautifully. 😀 Just kidding, 1st August was the day when someone texted me to say to not bother him again. 😀 It wasnt me. it was we. too bad it became me. LOL

September and the start of October sees 2 guys that came in my hands. Shocking.
But the 3rd guy in the month of October was a class of its own. Will blog about him specifically in a bit. Dont think he was out to gain advantage (not talking about sexually), but I have no conclusion on it. 13th was the first dinner date with Natasha, its an evolution from Dentist to friend. 🙂

November was the decision month for coming back to SG for good. One of the nights – 6th Nov, when I woke up and felt a prompting in the heart, that its time to come back. Perhaps nothing to do with the loneliness, just… “go back”. Big BOO BOO! Bought a Monday flight when I was supposed to fly on a Sunday. Dumb dumb siA. LOL dont know where that came from (well, I think that afternoon when I was booking, I was booking multiple flights. Probably overlooked then)

December 2nd, I was watching Bridget Jones Diary, That lawyer moving to another place to continue his career. I also want that. Press the RESTART button. Go to another place, do what im good at, be paid well, be esteemed. Restart. 🙂 If only life is that easy. Started BP monitoring. 2nd year to retainers and braces. Did an interesting photoshoot. 28th, officially let the 1st guy go. Some guys are good but not necessary mine. (2nd guy was not even worth mentioning in my diary. Major laugh). 3rd guy. wasted. lol anyway, offically ditched him on the 31st, not that it matters that much to him actually. Hes a player.
Probably would write about him too. theres a good lesson beneath it. 😀

and oh yes, of course, my face is much more contoured now. hey hey! Weight havent really drop, but I know I shrinked.

Signing offfffffff
Happy 2018, everyone!

Thanks for coming by
Be Blessed
Love,
Amanda

2nd Scammer

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They dont stop coming do they? Am thankful that this post has been going around and helping people.

This 2nd one I met.
On the site, he indicated UAE. So I asked him what’s he doing there, he said he’s developing a project. I asked him where he’s from, he said Woodlands (in SG)
I asked about some of the places in the proximity, unable to answer well.
Said flying back end of the month. He said he looks forward to meet me.

I asked for photos of his development he said it’s in his laptop in HK. I didn’t pursue.
But that’s dumb. You are at your site, confirm u wld have taken photos of your “project” unless you are not proud of it or it’s a lie.

So comes end of the month, he flew HK. I questioned, didnt he say he was eager to meet me? He said he told me he’s going back SG bcos he wanted us to meet.

So I asked him what was his company’s edge to have won the project. He couldn’t respond well. He said he is the boss, he presented well, they liked it. So, he got the job. (BULL CRAP)

So I asked for his SG number, he couldn’t provide. I ask him to blur out his ic number n send me a photo of his pink ic. Couldn’t provide.

Ignore him for a while. Then he messaged to say he couldn’t text me for a while bcos his mom died, he was sad and busy.

I responded saying even mother he also bring in.

Then after that, he responded saying “oh thank you for my kind words.” Hai… Dunno how many girls he is scamming at the moment.

*sigh…

Thanks for coming by

Be Blessed
Love,
Amanda

HK Police’s respond on the scam

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So I followed up with the necessary on the love scammed situation, got this from the HK police.

Though it’s kinda expected (yar, not surprising abt the fake identity bank account registration), it’s still painful to face it.

Spread the word!!!! Get rid of those irritants!!

Oh, n someone asked abt the LINE Account thing:

The one in black suit is the current one that he is using. Confirm is targeting those 35 and above.

Thanks for coming by

Be Bless
Love,
Amanda

What to do next?

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So, after this post was published, much girls contacted me, Just thought its a good idea to share some of the more active after actions or what I responded to one of the girls.
–

Thank God you didn’t transfer any funds to him at all. Please do not do that. I believe that he can do nothing about your account number. If I’m not wrong, unless you’ve provided authorization to the bank, the bank is not authorised to release any funds from your account.
1. I suggest you change a bank account number if its within your ability.
2. Inform bank via phone call or a visit to tell them that you did not authorise and should not under any circumstances allow any movement with the next few month (except pre-arranged giro arrangement).

The truth of the matter is, this photo you have, Is definitely not the real guy you are dealing with. They basically screengrab from other guys (even reverse search on google does not show up). One of them even had the opportunity to chat with guys that supposedly worked in the same company, his hoaxed was even able to supply photos of wedding ceremonies that he supposedly attended. They probably went around an collected an archive of life-style photos.
I’ve been in active conversation with plenty of us, being-scammed-ladies to know this. Even the Hong Kong police indicated “Do not send me anymore photos!!” in his email.

(She asked for my hoax’s account number)
They have plenty of account numbers to go around.
I personally transferred to 2 accounts, both were from different HSBC account. Was pending to transfer to the 3rd account when I got my verification from Lippo Securities and decided to called him out bluff. (when I asked him whose account those were, he said its the finance department that arranged it, he isn’t sure).
There was another lady, transferred to 4 different accounts, 3 from HSBC and 1 from another China bank.
There was a single mom (yes, even single mom, they would scam) its another China account too.
So it doesn’t matter the name of account holder or account number.

To help you verify, you may email the company he says he is representing to verify his identity, to find out if he works for that company. That was what I did. (I know it feels as though its distrust, but no. its protecting yourself. You owe it to yourself to figure out)

As you have noticed from my blog, my policy looked really legitimate too. Unfortuantely, it is not. Lippo securities cleanly deny any relationship with my scammer.

I was supposed to fly to Hong Kong to meet him. He managed to postpone and not meet me saying its part of the contract obligation.

The other lady, he was suppose to fly in to SG to meet her, she went to airport to pick him on the actual day, waited for 3 hours, no show. His “colleague” later contacted her to say he was held back by immigration.

The lady with the 4 account numbers, the 4-times transfer were for: 1. Initial investment. 2. Tax payable 3. Stamp and duty fee 4. Overseas outflow fee. – Just sharing how they will cheat you.

So please don’t send him any money. Cease contact is the best option.

I thought I should carry on chatting with him to stall time for the police and get more live information. It took longer than expected time for the police to respond. Its pointless and it is just conditioning our heart to not trust man (worthy man, included).

Again, please don’t send him any money. Cease contact is the best option.

–

I hope its not too late for you, that you havent already transferred money to the scammer.
There are a few channels for you to report to should you be a victim.
1. Your local (specific to country) police.
2. The country your supposedly scammed policy/investment company is from. – IF its from Hong Kong like in my case, (1) Hong Kong Police and the (2) Securities Future Commission.
3. Your local bank (or the bank you’ve transferred money from)
4. The receiving bank (or the bank you’ve transferred money to)

Do not suffer in silence. Lodge a report. Do something about it. Its important to have paperwork, Leave a trail. In a way, that helps you should there be chances that you could get your money back (although its really low chances since its voluntary transfer). 🙁

As I said on a facebook post, “Whats wrong with the world? One human being scamming another human being.”…

We are all born with different deck of cards. Its what we do with it that matters.

thanks for coming by,

Be Bless,
Amanda

P/S: Its really disgusting when I see my scammer’s Line account profile photo changing from one to another. Its like using that same number, changing 3 different identities, I wonder scamming how many girls.

PP/S: Its pretty disgusting too, when scammer use a similar userid on 2 separate occasions to message me. Its either they think I’m really dumb, or they are just out to remind me of how dumb I was.

Peace out.

–

Being Single

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Was just wandering through the mall waiting for my bff when I saw plenty of single guys (or at least they were strolling alone). N it came on to me that there are actually a lot of eligible guys with good character, it’s just that there isn’t enough efforts or sources to get to know them. That some of the available channels are sadly abused and misused.

There was a guy whom put up a picture of penguin (or even another of Tom Cruise) as profile picture. They said if they put up their real photo, no ladies would respond to them. I felt that is very sad. Not sad as in that that is how females are, but that they know there is an issue but they are not tackling the root of it, they are just dealing with the symptoms or it.

Here’s what I think of it, find a more acceptable picture. Find a flattering angle or a zoomed out photo, or a group photo. We are superficial, sure, but there’s only this much superficial-ness about it. After that, it’s acceptance and nobody cares.

At the same time, since one knows one isn’t pleasing enough (in the looks department), do something about it. Watch the food intake, go workout, change habits, take up a new habit, stop with the excuses. Is not looks, physic related to health of a person? Do one not want to benefit from the benefits of being healthy? Although it’s true that skinny people would also be prone to heredity illness.

Acceptance is not necessary a good thing. Sometimes blind acceptance or ignorance becomes an esteem problem.

I believe in marketing, in package.
There’s a Chinese saying, “人靠衣装，佛靠金装” loosely translated as clothes maketh a man, gold composes Buddha.
Why is there even such a saying, because that’s how it is. Deal with it.

Thanks for coming by,

Be Bless
Love,
Amanda

Feeling a tad gloomy lately, but still sparkling! :D

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Feeling a tad gloomy lately, but still sparkling! 😀

Feeling a tad gloomy these days…

Probably the weather, probably the days ahead, probably the mood swing, probably…..
Don’t know, Dont really care. Just know that I need to snap out of it.
The best way to, is to write to myself, I realise. Reflective exercises are always good. To be set on path, to know and be crystal clear. To Re-centre (as google maps would say) To just be happy and alive. Live life…
Okay, I’m just blabbering already.

Think Amanda is gloomy because its time for change again. I know right… no one likes change. At least not me. Or you know I’m way too comfortable here.

I can still remember the initial year when I came, didnt really share that I was abroad, didnt really reveal where I’m working at – more for the privacy of the children actually. Now, to the stage where I would share photos of location at times. Openly tag my home and the nearby mall location. 🙂 Its been a blissful coming-to-4-years.
Bringing along the need to come up with Character Reference letter and searching for a new job. *sulk*

ok ok enough of being gloomy.

The plans ahead.
I dont know actually. Was suppose to stay on for one more year, but due to changes in certain polices and recent events, just felt that its time to go. To leave here, or at least the school.
I think I might come back to Jakarta to teach. Its a good place – for an expat like me.

I really learnt tons about myself after being here. The beauty of being alone. The tireness of flying alternate weekends at times. The beauty of sleeping 10hours 2 weekdays a week during the PMS season. Understanding the effects of PMS on the body. Understanding what keeps me rooted. Understanding what I want. Understanding that money is not everything.

Which reminded me. I was undecided about whether to stay and finished that 1 year or work that 1 more year in some other countries.

After that recent scam, I know it is imperative that I find love and settle down, soon. 😀 Was telling myself I should go back to Singapore and be available there. Thats the way to be attached and settle down isnt it. But deep in my heart, I was like but back in Singapore, the payscale will not be on par with the current I’m getting…
Then I reminded myself. Money is a powerbase. If you can ignore it, it will not be used against you. You can be set free to do the things that you want to do.
That was a good answer. I feel.

and obviously, by going back to Singapore, it doesnt necessary mean I will be able to “find love and settle down” 😀

But well, It is still one step.

So… 1 more year.. to go or not to go?

Dont know, dont want to know, just keep sending resume I guess. 😀

Any takers? 😀

Thanks for coming by

Be Bless
Love,
Amanda

I think I know the answer..