The forex hustle that almost finished me

Back in 2023, when I just started working remote, I met this old classmate from UNILAG. Tunde. He was driving a Lexus and posting money online. He said he was making crazy profit from forex trading. 'Jide, I get a platform wey dey guarantee 20% monthly. Just bring your money, I go handle am.'

20% monthly. My brain did the calculation. In one year, my money would multiply by almost ten. I could buy my mother that house in Ibadan she's been praying for. So I invested my savings, about ₦2.5 million, and even borrowed from two friends.

For the first two months, the platform showed profits. I was already planning the house. Then one morning, the app refused to load. Tunde's phone was switched off. His Instagram deleted. The money vanished like harmattan morning fog.

I had to tell my friends I couldn't pay them back immediately. My mother called, asking about her 'investment' too. I had involved her. The shame was worse than the loss.

Na so I learn say if something looks too good to be true, it's probably a scam designed by someone who knows your dreams. Tunde knew I wanted to buy my mother a house. He used that against me.

Now I don't chase quick money. I build. Slowly. The house for Ibadan still dey coming, but it will be from real work, not magic. And my friends? I paid them back eventually. They still talk to me, thank God.