Romance scam victim speaks out on "psychological manipulation" that cost her $2.5 million

[@jackieburleson342]

A person you’ve never met in-person is still a stranger…

[@evanordstrand8585]

So very true 👍

[@roxanab.1626]

Sadly, many many times ... People that are in your life under the same roof for decades can still be strangers to you and even enemies. 😔😮‍💨

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

Exactly!!!!

[@laurawhitaker1797]

Even the ones you marry can end up strangers.

[@annowens5019]

​@@roxanab.1626 ... That Part

[@IssacStrong-lv3qyfgy]

Mad respect for saying yes bro. sometimes opportunities present themself and you Gotta take them. i am kind of a *Strongwidget* fan, but this recovery was a great message. you both already won For participating!

[@carolbrennan5]

Sending entire $2mil life savings to someone she’s never met-to the point where she sold her house & became homeless/living in her car-seems an obvious question of mental competency.

[@janetr5929]

My thoughts exactly.

[@AGL01772]

I think it’s time to stop blaming the victim. There is no doubt that this person is mentally competent. However, she was probably lonely and vulnerable. We need to take a look at the fact that there are a few protections in place for consumers. This scammer used a commercial dating website and was able to pull off their scam. we cannot trust that our privacy is protected, or that organizations that sell products have our safety and best interest at heart. This makes us vulnerable to scams. Therefore, instead of making it the victims problem, we need to do more education on how to protect people from these types of situations.

[@rashadthewealthcoach]

@@AGL01772unfortunately, there will never be enough protections to combat people who are so vulnerable and gullible. We will never stop scammers. The only way we can stop it is if we stop allowing ourselves to be victims. Assume everyone is out to scam you until they prove otherwise. You are the only one responsible for your money. I feel so bad for this lady. I hope that someone would have been there to intervene.

[@Kim-yy4zd]

@@AGL01772 what sane person sales their house for a stranger Personal accountability is needed

[@olderandwiser127]

Exactly! How can anyone be that innocent at an advanced age?? She appears to have the maturity level of a teenager.

[@alexgodwin456]

Doing god's work online brother. Every second you are doing it; they aren't doing it to someone else or someone's loveones. Every second of dollar you can get out of them is a victory!! Keep going *Strong widget* and take scumbags as far as you can for every second you can, knowing everyone feels the same as you! Words alone are not enough to describe how happy I am towards the great recovery job you accomplished for me and my family Love you dude, Keep up the great content and thanks for helping those who have been victims!

[@Marcelo_Dollinger]

Exceptional works, *STRONGWIDGET* -I'm glad you're battling these jerks out there. We must take every precaution to safeguard the elderly and the general public from these disgusting scam artists! You've earned it!! You deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for keeping us safe, brother.

[@angelodelacuesta3882]

Stupitity 101 ,expensive course😮

[@tammycraig7635]

Why isn't a man asking for money a turn off? I don't get it.

[@teacherlisa163]

Watch out, or you will be someone's next target. A man should be able to work and provide for himself - not ask a woman to support him, especially in terms of tens of thousands of dollars at a time.

[@madamebutterfly851]

Right 😅 Total turn off and non negotiable for me. Grown men who can't take care of themselves or have their own money for their own desires are a big no thank you for me. So pathetic.

[@KathleenMcNe]

It would be for me. Next!

[@molliwilson5639]

Anyone asking me for money is a turn off.

[@molliwilson5639]

Do we really have to walk you through that?

[@rg2613]

This is insane. Sending 2 million to someone you’ve never met.

[@sableann4255]

I wouldn't send anyone money, even if I've known them 30 years let alone met them online.

[@rg2613]

@@sableann4255 and that’s why you haven’t lost 2 million. It’s hard to feel bad for these people who are so reckless with their money with no ounce of common sense. Hell, even if I had 2 million and it was my sister who wants to borrow that much money from me, I would tell her hells no. Get a loan from the bank.

[@ElizzzaB]

She is not alone. There have been other reports.

[@mariarohmer2374]

It's almost laughable she tries to defend herself. Says he wasn't a stranger. Come on, lady.

[@gracechan1496]

there is no limit to stupidity

[@BeLoose1]

The strange part is that if her closest relative asked her for $20,000 she probably would have said no.

[@brigittebeltran6701]

💯

[@AnthonyMason-cq9gi]

You have a excellent point.😢😢😢

[@stacyb-r6931]

Bingo

[@rachshred9613]

agreed. however, I have noticed most people in general are only willing to help their significant other. it's not just her.

[@kahe9662]

Absolutely! And so many family are better friends with acquaintances than their own family.

[@mallpaul4551]

You and your team and your associates are absolute legends. Thanks so much for the work that you've all been doing *Strongwidget on the internet.* Keep up with the great work, you've been doing!! Thank you for saving and protecting millions of Americans from this heartless people... 😔 What comes around, goes around!!!!! Let them have it!! God bless your heart for helping us the victims...🙏🏼🥰❤️

[@ziadzizomekawy3599]

Hey *STRONGWIDGET* just wanna thank you again for offering to help me out with scammers about a year ago. Your a stand up guy and I am greatful to you, glad your doing so well. Thanks again keep up the great work and ROCK ON WITH YOUR AWESOME SELF BROTHER.

[@wakeupbell2491]

I was going out with a man I worked with. He asked to borrow $100 so his car could be repaired & pass inspection. Then he started telling me how his mother was sick and he needed to send money back home for medication she needed. I ignored this thinly veiled request for more money. Next payday, I started asking for the $100 he owed me. After I got it, I stop seeing him, never answered his texts again, and quit not long after. THAT is how you deal with a scammer. You do not keep giving them money!!

[@ericb8413]

Fantastic. Glad you ghosted him. Any man who needs a woman’s money has real problems.

[@Raja1938]

That a grown man couldn't swing a $100 expense should've been the first sign that he wasn't a viable dating prospect.

[@wakeupbell2491]

@@Raja1938 True. But it was a casual relationship, not anything serious. Plus, without going into details, he had legitimate reasons to be struggling financially. But I could see through his ploy for money "for his sick mom."

[@ygg5476]

whats his nationality?

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

Shall we give you a cookie or a gold star? So you dodged a bullet, but there are literally millions of men (and some women) who scam women. It is almost the rule when it comes to dating past 25 or 30. Stop blaming victims for being victimized.

[@jazziered142]

If they don't want to meet you within 2 weeks, and then they cancel the first time, move on. That is your first clue.

[@lindaabraham8715]

A good clue, but not the first. The first clue is saying all the right things.

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

Exactly. I don't the understand how they end up like this. It must be some shreds of desperation that makes a person think they are in a "relationship" when they have never met

[@rumblefish9]

I've seen so many videos from Scamfish that you kinda get a picture of the typical victim and the scammer. The victims are usually older, lonely or stuck in unhappy marriages. The scammer has used some poor unsuspecting guy's images to scam the victims and they usually use younger (late 30s, 40s or early 50s), good-looking guys who are in the army/navy/air force or have businesses and travel to so and so places. The real guy has no idea his social media pictures are being used by scammers and when they do it's usually too late. In reality, these men would probably not go for these older women and in reality most of them already have families. But all the victim thinks is there's this younger, handsome guy who is giving me all this attention and love. That's why the victims stick with them. They're getting something out of the scam; whether it's an ego boost, validation or the attention they crave that it completely makes them blind to reason. The manipulation is planned in stages and these scammers have scripts they use and a system in place. And when you ask the victims why they keep sending money even though they have never met the guy or even had a video call with him, they'll say they love him. They're that manipulated.

[@jolyfrye1871]

Their is a big difference between a relationship and an illusion.😮

[@lindaabraham8715]

@@jolyfrye1871 Don't be so sure. Some illusions last a life time.

[@8ofwands300]

She worked her whole life and made smart financial decisions, only to give it all away in 8 months to a Nigerian teenager who sent her poems he found on line. 😑😑😐😐

[@tabby73]

Good and very true summary

[@anonymous-zn2iv]

That teenager is living like a king now.

[@barb6868]

Teenager?

[@dennykeaton9701]

Well said. Copying and pasting poems he found online. Sadly that's all it took to get her lifetime savings.

[@HoneyLove77]

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT'S A NIGERIAN? INDIANS, CHINESE, ETC ALL ARE DOING THIS!

[@Kimberly-rk6db]

Hearing these people's voices over the phone so thrilled to be evil, almost giddy sounding, is utterly disgusting. Thank you Adrian Notch all you and your team does to shut them scammers down.

[@joannah.185]

Online is not a ‘dating relationship’. It’s an online conversation.

[@MelModica]

Yeah exactly people need to be extra cautious of long distance relationships with strangers you meet online. So sad people get scammed by these lowlifes.

[@mbecker5400]

How does an "international businessman" need money from someone?

[@yvonne2965]

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

[@B.H.56]

His "account was frozen."

[@gointothedogs4634]

Same reason a 'billionaire' political candidate is begging for money all the time. Because they're scammers.

[@jenniferloftus2363]

@@B.H.56 While traveling. Account frozen while traveling and needs money to get back to the victim or to the next place where they are putting a down payment on a house for the victim, relative sick etc.

[@Portia620]

😂 logic brain is important when dating!!! Forget emotions! Stay in the logical brain questioning everything they do!!

[@gerayneharris8045]

If they claim to be a businessman, but they need Your money for their business expenses, that's a BIG red flag. Either they aren't one or they are bad at it.

[@gfunk63901]

I’m still sending money to trump

[@shinyshinythings]

Exactly. Or if they’re constantly “in legal trouble” or “trapped” somewhere.

[@robertkorth2911]

​@gfunk63901 and he will still lose 😂

[@aishanjgirl07]

Exactly, that literally makes no sense

[@WNHTCT]

Or they want you to "invest" in their business

[@tennesseeterri]

Your mistake was in thinking that conversing with a stranger online and phone was a RELATIONSHIP.

[@B.H.56]

social media has made people lose their minds. They think online = real life. When in reality it's like a TV show. Not real.

[@clairebond6958]

She was naive so so sad

[@nelsongoncalves5379]

True. People been taking about scammers but they still keeping doing the same mistakes

[@deltaanthropos5259]

THIS^

[@deltaanthropos5259]

@@B.H.56 Especially now with AI.

[@RogArthur-617-]

*This man spends hundreds of thousands of time just to help us. He helps those in need while also helping us. He always puts a smile on our faces and we should appreciate it. Hats off to Him! I love you dude☝🏻. Crazy I've never payed crazy attention to the Strong Widget movement but when I say ancestral your a gift to our people* ✊🏼💯

[@ericb8413]

I knew she was in trouble when she said “I can live with him and be poor”. She had already accepted downgrading after working her whole life. Sad. 😔

[@lu_re7198]

On some level she realized that she’d been scammed but she was still desperately clinging to a thread of hope for love. 😔

[@Onelightoftheworld]

@@lu_re7198 or clinging onto the hope that she would get that money back too.

[@Mario_N64]

Victor Hugo, the writer, said that a woman in love could sleep on the floor and live on bread and water.

[@jramsey9690]

@@Mario_N64Ah, that “nesting instinct” never goes away.

[@cindychristian1700]

​@Mario_N64 He should know! He had a mistress for 50 years and still didn't marry her even after his wife died! She was obsessed with him and wrote him 20,000 letters over the years, expressing her passion for him as well as venting her jealousy of his womanizing! 😢 For seven years, he was also involved with married woman, they were caught and he avoided punishment she had to do 2 months in prison and 6 months in a convent! Many years after they separated he supported her financially! BTW His wife had her own 7 year affair with another man!

[@deedeewinfrey3181]

I'm grateful for my pets. They never ask for money.

[@gointothedogs4634]

They can get costly but I'm grateful for my two dogs !

[@jaxonwilson4722]

That's because I work for them.

[@ColtonJohnsonBrice09]

​@@jaxonwilson4722😂😂😂😂

[@robertblaney5033]

Pets don’t ask for money but they will wipe out your life savings just begging for treats 😂

[@LT-kq4bg]

They only ask for belly rubs. 🥰

[@sierravista9013]

NEVER send men money

[@MoInTheCity03]

NEVER!!!

[@marylynch951]

Men and women

[@MrElliotc02]

Or women.

[@spiritcreek9813]

Or anyone. You want to give your money away? Support your local charities. Food banks, clothing banks, people and animal shelters.

[@newtrollaccount384]

@@marylynch951 It's different and you know it.

[@kelvinfred9093]

I am from Korea and I love you for doing this *Strong widget* . These scammers are worse than insects, ruining most country's and city's name. I don't know how are they so proud of scamming people. I pray that anyone who reads this get a successful money recovery in life. Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance-wealth, a great career, purpose is the result of hard work and hustle overtime

[@WestinHarrington_hsjdjiiw]

Hey bud, I just wanted you to know that everything you do is necessary and thank you so much for what you do. It's more than just a recovery service, you're helping people. You're actually the push for me to get my degree in Information Technology so that I can protect people from heartless people like this. Thank you for all you do *Strongwidget,* you're a genius with a big heart and principles. Support and Respect from Britain .

[@MissMariQueen]

He was a stranger, dear lady. You never met him.

[@stephenbanks5952]

He doesn't exist

[@autofocus4556]

Why would you send someone hundreds of thousands when you hadn’t even met them yet? At some point personal responsibility comes into play.

[@caiqueparrot5374]

Don't even give money to people you know. 😮

[@kellycarpenter3021]

Desparate for love

[@chiefrcker]

I know, she is just stupid for sending someone she never met all her life savings

[@tlmas1914]

@@kellycarpenter3021 NOPE STUPID FOR LOVE

[@johnw9245]

It's tragic and I know she is responsible for her actions but I can't help but feel sorry for her! A retired woman who saved her money and worked hard all her life ends up losing her home & retirement savings. ** I just hope that her story will stand as a warning so that other people might avoid a similar fate!

[@iismyalias]

Love bombing is one of the top telltale signs of a scammer. Definitely when they start asking for money - cut it off. Block them whatever you need to do. It’s easy to believe it when you’re lonely and you WANT to. I wish her well on her recovery financially, emotionally and psychologically.

[@sie4431]

Not just a scammer but an abuser too

[@jolyfrye1871]

NEVER feel like u have 2 B N A relationship to feel complete. I'd rather have 2 million dollars in my bank account.💸 💸 💸

[@iismyalias]

@@jolyfrye1871 💯

[@rumblefish9]

@@iismyalias I've seen so many videos from SocialCatfish/Scamfish that you kinda get a picture of the typical victim and the scammer. The victims are usually much older, lonely or stuck in unhappy marriages. The scammer has used some poor unsuspecting guy's images to scam the victims and they usually use younger (late 30s, 40s or early 50s), good-looking guys who are in the army/navy/air force or have businesses and travel to so and so places. The real guy has no idea his social media pictures are being used by scammers and when they do it's usually too late. In reality, these men would probably not go for these older women and in reality most of them already have families. But all the victim thinks is there's this younger, handsome guy who is giving her all this attention and love. That's why the victims stick with them. They're getting something out of the scam; whether it's an ego boost, validation or the attention they crave that it completely makes them blind to reason. The manipulation is planned in stages and these scammers have scripts they use and a system in place. And when you ask the victims why they keep sending money even though they have never met the guy or even had a video call with him, they'll say they love him. They're that manipulated.

[@paulamitchell1653]

But never blame yourself for being a kind and generous person… pple are just low

[@rosemary32]

This was legitimately so wholesome. You can tell at the ending of getting your money back that it wasn't scripted at all when *Strongwidget* proposed.… This warmed my heart today! Congratulations guys! So happy for y'all!

[@Wightman-bi4sb]

Great work Adriannotch- so glad you are out there fighting these lowlifes. We need to do all we can to spare the elderly and the general public from these despicable scammers! Kudos to YOU!! You deserve the Nobel prize for keeping us safe big up brother!!!

[@mnelson2008]

I've been married and had long term relationships, but I'm single now. And no matter how lonely I get, I am never, ever giving a man money. Ever.

[@ladyvent]

Great cause we don't want to see you on the news!😊

[@rozchristopherson648]

I'm 63 and have never been married or had children. Took care of my elderly parents and grandmother for 17 years. I agree with you totally. No matter what, never give a man money.

[@superdoobo]

Same here as a man. Never give women a nickle and avoid the largest scam ever by woman...Marriage!

[@ladyvent]

@superdoobo🤣a scam huh?

[@superdoobo]

@@ladyvent Correct!

[@Sheyz123]

How kind and brave of her to share this horrendous story 😢

[@t.k3025]

Talking marriage and he isn’t in the same country? Yikes.

[@oliviatrelles]

Agreed. I can’t imagine this happening to anyone I care about let alone her courage to speak about it publicly. Everyone thinks it can’t happen to them but it can and I thank her for sharing so others may set aside their own hubris.

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

Brave to share, but blind to think that she was in a relationship when they had never met. .if I don't meet after 1 week, I am losing interest. If I don't meet after 2 weeks, I stop replying

[@jawwad1189]

​​​@@oliviatrelles guys go through this all the time spending on women and not getting anything in return what makes her so special?? Gender? I don't get? Is it because the roles are revsered.

[@Gheorghe99]

@@jawwad1189 1. Most guys I know would take a lady out to a nice dinner or maybe even a weekend getaway and if nothing romantically happened that would be the end of that relationship. 2. I'm a dude and never asked a woman for money, regardless of whether she's a longtime friend or we just met.

[@jazziez6467]

as an older retired woman that had plenty of lousy relationships, failed marriage and another marriage ending with hubby od'd and dead I would never send a nickel for anyone let alone $50,000, $100,000 and so on, that is insane on any level

[@desireesalas5820]

Exactly. Every single time she sent these large sums of money to the scammer, she made a conscious decision to do so. She wasn't receiving threats on her life, request for ransom or any other severe form of manipulation. There needs to be some personal accountability here as well.

[@corrinedorsey8024]

I'm not giving 20.00 of my money to just a name on a piece of paper!!!

[@ls-l1518]

​@@desireesalas5820 I agree 100%. But her bank should also have stopped it. Asked her, why are you sending all your money all of a sudden?

[@VeeFoster]

Early on in a relationship, if a man asks a woman for money, that's a red flag.

[@donnamoore193]

For sure never send money for any reason no matter how lonely you are

[@Paulina-ii3te]

Bless your heart *Adriannotch* . Its so sad how the scammers prey on the elderly and the uninformed public. Bless you and all others who fight against these crimes. Its horrible how mainstream media is not doing the right thing by shining light on these things to help the public.

[@LawranceWaghmare]

*STRONGWIDGET* , you are a very intelligent cyber crime investigator, and you deserve international recognition so that all of the valuable info that has been gained of these scammers should lead to immediate arrests. Dude the work you're doing DESERVES to get paid for. I'm 99% sure most of us understand you're legit and clearly doing what you can for the community and the world as a whole. ❤️

[@georgecuster527]

A smart person learns from their mistakes but a brilliant person learns from others mistakes .

[@willissudweeks1050]

There are no smart nor brilliant people who could fall for this in the first place. No need for an example.

[@maritesshoy317]

@@willissudweeks1050 - showing the whole internet that you are neither & couldn't possibly know w/ that comment. 😜

[@lindaabraham8715]

@@willissudweeks1050 Loneliness will override smartness.

[@willissudweeks1050]

@@maritesshoy317 No it’s called having common sense and most people have it.

[@willissudweeks1050]

@@lindaabraham8715 Not with everyone. There’s a degree of silliness in falling for this stuff.

[@annsmith7207]

WOW ! In her head, this guy was not a stranger. Realty check : HE WAS A STRANGER! If she had an active, balanced life, she would have blown him off quite quickly and would have understood she was in a scam. Reality check: she never once met him and yet she thinks he is not a stranger and even worse -- sends money? Seriously? This was an ongoing fantasy in her head that was not at all reality based. Hope she gets the counseling she deserves.

[@Ava2969ny]

The fraudsters know exactly who to target...the elderly or widowed women are the most vulnerable because of loneliness. It's horrible because she spent years of her life preparing for retirement and now she doesn't have money to support herself.

[@bichonbeach3859]

They don’t just target the elderly, they target everyone! Anyone at any time can be a victim. This is a massive problem and with no repercussion for these scammers it will keep on getting worse.

[@VintageLady56]

Yes. This is called Limerence. Can develop into a severe psychological condition. I truly believe this is her case. Very sad.

[@Emm325]

@@VintageLady56💯💯💯

[@PamDubier]

This woman is so brave to share her story in order to help others.

[@AGL01772]

Agree. I like your comment. Not much compassion in these comments here. Lots of judgment.

[@ellebell9139]

​@@AGL01772the internet is younger than this woman. Literally, ok. ... This is the actual first ever scam people started doing on the internet. Its the reason people were warning everyone about online dating way back in the day. The judgement comes from the fact that it is common knowledge that people will fake being in love with you online to get your money. Its why catfishing became a thing....... She is too old to not be aware of this.

[@s.e.3252]

No, she's not sharing her story to help others, she's making hwrself a victim so someone rescues her!

[@PamDubier]

@@s.e.3252 I missed the part where she asked for money or lodging or a car or --

[@dancingdiva8759]

​@@ellebell9139 I mean,people know smoking causes cancer,and romance scammers are all over the internet.......I bet she doesn't smoke,but just shelled out this cash like the word "catfish" doesn't exist.....🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@KateWilliam-yo2dy]

Thanks a lot for exposing these scumbag scammers who bring disrepute to my country that otherwise has talented and honest citizens. I hope we Americans can offer some form of amends on behalf of these shameless scammers. I wish our government became more serious and put the scammers behind bars. May the force be with you ADRIAN NOTCH

[@RachaelNuwell]

The efficiency of this is next level. To juggle walk throughs of various angles on the topic delivered to-camera, differnet content per topic from various folk underneath the umbrella of the track list of the larger big band concert itself is engaging and refined. To make a dense taccess like this SO digestible is really something. Awesome works *STRONGWIDGET!*

[@MH-xn1nt]

Practice the phrase ‘ that sounds hard. I am sure you will find a solution. No I don’t lend or give money to anyone. I will keep you in my prayers.’

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Give them the phone number to the bank.

[@maryanneborders9602]

Amen. Should be at the front of all 'dating' sites!

[@TheSouthIsHot]

She explained so well how these scammers manipulate their victims' minds. Guard your minds, your hearts, your bodies, and your lives.

[@lindaslattery8341]

And your wallet

[@TheSouthIsHot]

@@lindaslattery8341 Yeah, that too!👍🏻

[@leanordials8008]

This is what parents need to teach their children!

[@marylynch951]

​@@leanordials8008 Agree 💯

[@cocatfan]

Only gullible people fall for this.

[@keithss67]

Literally the first second anyone you don’t even know asks you for 3 cents, run!

[@anonymous-zn2iv]

You don't need to run, just say no. It's like when a vampire asks to be let into your room, all you have to do is refuse. All the power rests with you.

[@jcook2433]

Yes. The power rests with you. Never a nickel , even if you have begun to know them in person. A person who cannot manage their own life will take you down with them. Hard to be alone? Harder to be alone and ruined.

[@katemarr1984]

​@@anonymous-zn2iv You make valid points; however I'm going offer a slight modification - RUN & Say no! The vampire analogy is 💯 on point.

[@foodie2011]

Vampire 🧛‍♂️. Exactly 💯.

[@superdoobo]

Can I get 2 cents then?

[@Ariana-f8c]

Mad respect for saying yes bro. sometimes opportunities present themself and you Gotta take them. i am kind of a Adrian notch fan, but this recovery was a great message. you both already won For participating!!!!!

[@PauliusTim]

Impressive achievement *Adrian notch* It is impressive to see how actively you engage with these setbacks. We are committed to taking every possible action to protect both the well-informed individuals and the broader population from these abominable clowns! I admire and praise you greatly! You deserve the Nobel prize for ensuring our safety. Show support and admiration to the family

[@dianel6874]

My mother taught me growing up to don't let people f*** with your money. She taught me this way before the internet. Sorry this happened to you.

[@leanordials8008]

Good mom!

[@bradfordjhart]

She's a smart woman

[@greg33770]

Yep ! Same way I was brought up !

[@gointothedogs4634]

You were lucky. My mother was so desperate to see me married that she put my life in danger numerous times, starting when I was in High school. I finally quit all contact with her until I realized she was dying. By then I wasn't her focus.

[@KS-kr4ok]

NEVER EVER give money to someone you are dating. You can buy travel tickets and take them along if you want, but NEVER EVER give them money.

[@strawberryseason]

yes, yes, yes.

[@RippleDrop.]

What do you think, is it okay if you are in a relationship?

[@KS-kr4ok]

@@RippleDrop. NO NO NO. The scammer convinces the mark they are in a relationship. Then comes the sad scam story to steal money. A few dollars, not more than $20 maybe. If they need money because they lost their passport or need money to escape a problem to come see you blah blah blah, it is always a scam.

[@goldenparachute392]

Realistically she wasn’t dating this person. They had never met.

[@gointothedogs4634]

@@goldenparachute392 Well she thought they were in a relationship. Same thing.

[@bertmunoz7100]

"Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone." Shouldn't this be the very first thing? This should be a warning for everyone. If this scammers are so good at what they do, people should be aware of this before they hit their 70's or 80's.

[@willissudweeks1050]

And even if you get manipulated a few times I don’t see how you could give away EVERYTHING.

[@kimbok5971]

Are the scammers good at what they do or do we still have an extremely gullible society? I just can't believe the amounts of money she shelled out for someone she'd never met.

[@bertmunoz7100]

I'm a fan of the show "AMERICAN GREED" and is always fascinating what people of all generations are willing to believe just to be part of something. On TV there are commercials for products that are clearly a scam, but as long as the Networks post a disclaimer they avoid culpability.

[@B1LL9465]

The fact that she was willing to live with him even if she was poor 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@OldSchool4U]

A female senior friend in my 55+ retirement community is currently in a “relationship” with a “solar installer German man who supposedly is an international traveler. Like “Sue” in this video, my friend has never been married. She lives alone and owns her own home. I’ve sent her numerous romance scammer stories including this one! It’s been a year of her online romance and his numerous excuse making no shows. It’s baffling. My friend is a highly educated woman with a MSW degree. She should know better. And didn’t answer my past questions about giving her fantasy scammer money 💰. It’s downright unbelievable how emotionally hooked some people become when their fantasy misconceptions overpower common sense & logical thinking!

[@Chris-mf4ln]

FINALLY SOMEONE USING THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTERS FOR GOOD. THOSE LAZY PPL SHOULD GET OFF THEIR BUTTS AND GO WORK FOR THEIR MONEY INSTEAD OF STEALING AND TELLING LIES. ADRIANNOTCH HATE THESE THIEVES!!

[@OwenMarco-r4l]

Very well done *Adrian notch* for stopping even more scammers. I'm from Michigan, My question is why are the USA FBI not shutting more of these scammers down and throwing them into jail for a very long time. They are scamming innocent people worldwide not only in the Michigan. Keep up your fantastic work. You deserve an Oscar Awards For your generosity, you have stepped up with courage and strength you put to do this!!!

[@deirdrekiely6187]

LIFE LESSON: If you have not met in person, then you're not in a relationship.

[@ananeeva4109]

So true. Those in denial of it will pay the ultimate price :(

[@se_me1756]

Half the time you aren’t in one even if you meet in person. Never ever give a man money. Men do not ask women for money. SMH

[@foreveryoung999]

Even if you have met the person, you aren't in a relationship that qualifies money gifts.

[@jekalambert9412]

Even if you HAVE met in person, it doesn't mean you're in a relationship!

[@ztomas1]

Why on Gods green earth would you EVER send money to someone you've never met in person?

[@martareitmajer]

Good thing I don’t have any money so I don’t attract any scammers.

[@kimmyescada5470]

Same🤣🤣🤣

[@stephanieames66]

DITTO.

[@alicepopovski3643]

Exactly

[@user-eu2me4bp7j]

😂😂😂

[@lindahathaway3519]

A very good reason to appear as if one has no money.

[@numberonecobfan]

The amount of bravery this took was INSANE. These people all had their finance in danger and you decided to go through with the recvery of their assets by busting the online swindlerss. True respect *Stalwart-redeem* If the law enforcement was half as dedicated and ingenious (and honest) as you guys are, the USA would be a much safer country. Amazing work!

[@lgillam06]

This is actually what happened to me some weeks ago after falling for a binary option scam but I was able to report to the right person *Stalwart-redeem*

[@51612405]

How can I con nect with this specia list as well

[@lgillam06]

He mostly interacts on Telle grams using the user

[@lgillam06]

*@stalwartredeem* THAT IS HIS USER NAME

[@51612405]

@@lgillam06 Thank you so much for this

[@TmwTwm-ht8ov]

Wow, *VortexTrace* you're doing an amazing job standing up against these scammers. It's crucial that we protect the elderly and the public from their deceitful tactics. You're a true hero.

[@mary_puffin]

I am so very sorry for this lady. She fell victim because of a desire for love and marriage, which she hadn't realized earlier in her life. In the end, she lost her hope for companionship and all her money. Yes it was naive of her but it was innocent. She is very brave to share this story. I cannot fathom the cruelty of the people who do this scamming.

[@wildmountainthyme4123]

The cruelty of these scammers is overwhelming. I think Sue was so brave to tell her story, and I pray that she finds peace.

[@teacherlisa163]

They are sociopaths and have no souls.

[@missmiss9539]

I pray she gets her money back and god brings her love

[@BrooklynBaby100]

She really needs to sue that company eharmony company! They led her to believe that these were REAL people. If they can’t vet the people in their site, then at this point that stupid site is a Craigslist Ad.

[@Glen-uy4jt]

You see it as cruelty but they see it as a gold mine without the hard physical work. The internet is digital, it is a form of obscure communication. I mean if you get asked for 250,000 dollars once and they do not have a payback schedule, then they ask for more, to fall for that is outright stupidity. Do not let your emotions rule your life.

[@relationshiprx6820]

"He wasn't a stranger at that point"! say what! No meeting in person, no video chat, no vetting of this person in any way...thats a hard lesson to learn ma'am. It's bizarre that a person can see themselves as trapped and punished when all they needed to do was hit delete.

[@travguru8]

Well said 👏

[@BellaFirenze]

Gullibility and desperation. Some women in their sixties and older believe a much younger person has fallen in love with them. They send them money. They believe far-fetched stories. They lose all logic and common sense. Yes, she is a victim and he is a terrible person. However, she fell for a scam because she was desperate to be with someone.

[@carmarasmussen8118]

I understand loneliness but I will never ever understand why anyone would send all of their hard earned money to someone they haver NEVER MET. Makes absolutely no sense. 😮😳

[@theskiesthelimit-q2k]

I'm sad she was lonely and felt that "Santos" was just the guy to fill that void.

[@lkd06]

​@@carmarasmussen8118maybe dementia ?

[@Dusty-y6b]

Get a dog. Better than any man, and dogs love to cuddle, unlike most men.

[@lindahathaway3519]

@@soutinefan 🤣🥰

[@nikkijj3424]

As soon man asks me for any money he is gone and blocked from my life forever.

[@ERIN478]

Hear, hear!! Smart!

[@rwentfordable]

Yet it's okay for women to ask men for money?

[@ClashxClipzz]

Can I have a dollar? 😂

[@D-fm4zu]

Dude. ! I'm a vet, and nothing I ever did in service compares to the most amazing effort you and your colleagues give to protect and enlighten the public in general to this horrendous threat to innocent people. Much respect. *VortexTrace*

[@mr.d.572]

It's amazing how often this is happening these days. Even with many public warnings, people still fall for it.

[@anonymous-zn2iv]

Scammers are very convincing.

[@ajayjackson7727]

these women annoy me, she allowed herself to be scammed, she could have said no to him and now look at the consequences.

[@ritaroad]

I read that if you retire on 1.3 million you’re comfortable. If you retire on 2.3 million you’re wealthy. Where was her financial advisor? If I wanted to withdraw such sums mine would be all over this.

[@genxx2724]

How much do you pay your financial advisor? How long have you had them, and what did they do for you?

[@travguru8]

Where was everybody in her life, friends, family??

[@SarahRenz59]

@ritaroad Also, where was her bank? My bank puts a stop on my debit card the one time a year I buy jewelry from a lady based in Texas; she rents a booth at the WI State Fair every year. I have to call them and answer all the security questions to prove that yes, it's me making the purchase. My bank would probably send me a fraud alert if they suddenly saw large amounts of money disappearing from my accounts.

[@Fonoyb]

These People dint listen to advice. Not even from their Families!

[@TheRealWickedMelon]

"He wasn't a stranger at this point" sorry to tell you, he damn well was

[@rozchristopherson648]

I agree. But she felt she met him through a reputable daring site. So her guard was done.

[@gee_emm]

He still is a stranger. She has no idea who she was emailing or speaking to and Santos was a fictional character. She never met anyone. There was no Santos to ever meet!

[@gee_emm]

@@rozchristopherson648Dating sites are full of freaks, weirdos and liars. It shouldn't take longer than 5 minutes to realise that!

[@tinydream]

@@gee_emmit was likely a team working together in Nigeria, statistically speaking that’s the most likely with romance scams.

[@nonabliss]

Anybody who truly cares for you will not ask you for massive amounts of money. IMO, being broke is far worse than loneliness.

[@10superpwn]

Being broke is not in any way worse than loneliness, that’s why rich people are willing to give it all away for companionship. Your take is the most consumerist brainwashed opinion I’ve ever heard. People and family are always more valuable than money, don’t ever forget that

[@nonabliss]

@@10superpwn So yeah, as I put it IMO (IN MY OPINION) I think being broke is worse than being lonely, mostly within the context of what this woman in the video was going through desiring a significant other. I was not speaking in regards to family. That is the issue with most stories like this where lonely people look for love online and end up getting into situations where they are taken advantage of. I would say family and real friends are very valuable, but being alone in a romantic context is not as bad as being broke, especially at an advanced age after retirement where having disposable income is crucial for your daily survival.

[@chrisb7142]

My heart goes out to her. What an awful lesson to learn in your 60's...I hope she'll be okay.

[@wildmountainthyme4123]

I feel the same way. What a heartbreaking situation. I'm grateful she has such compassionate friends.

[@davidmarks8318]

60s? She looks 79

[@backtoasimplelife]

It sounds like she was a high-income earner, and she has to be getting social security benefits. If not, then she's going to have to get back to work. I wonder if she can get a part time job and build her savings back up. Sad story and this is so common. I pray for her to be well more each day.

[@anonymous-zn2iv]

She is a smart woman when it comes to business. I am sure she can stay afloat. She may not retire a multi millionaire but she will be ok.

[@yvonne2965]

It’s so sad

[@bisket2003]

2.5 mill............... AND a house! Yeasus.

[@anonymous-zn2iv]

For someone so smart when it comes to business, she sure is naive about other things.

[@遠志李]

You're doing an outstanding job, *VortexTrace* ! I'm thrilled that you're out there battling these scoundrels. It's absolutely crucial to protect the elderly and the general public from these deplorable scammers. You truly deserve all the praise and recognition for keeping us safe! Kudos to you, my brother. Your efforts are deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. Keep up the amazing work

[@subashkantidas374]

You guys and what you do is the work of avenging angels. *Adriannotch* Bless you so much for this work. you are young, honest and smart. And you have the energy to do the recovery!!!!

[@kathykay6602]

They only communicated by email and text. That was the first red flag.A BIG ONE!

[@mildredpierce4506]

Didn’t they say by phone as well?

[@candy123444]

Really?? Someone you never met isn't a stranger? This is simply desperation ladies. Smh..

[@nancydemoss2945]

This is the reason I go without "love" and "companionship". I'd rather be alone.

[@SarahRenz59]

@nancydemoss2945 Me, too. My motto: I'd rather be lonely than miserable.

[@RawOlympia]

Two cats and one very appreciative rescue doggie ~ we're set!

[@manoramareddy4662]

better choice than be duped smart lady

[@marthawoodworth]

Well, you can always love yourself - unconditionally - and that includes s-x, too, lol. I was happily married for twenty-five years to my soul mate. Since he died, I have not desired any other man I've met. OK, maybe a couple, lol. But no one can take my baby's place and that isn't fair to other men. So I stay alone, sometimes lonely, but have four best friends I can visit and talk on the phone with forever. And single female neighbors - we help each other out when needed. Most of all, I love my work - so life is actually very good. Frankly, I can't afford a man. I have too much work to do, making a living (which I enjoy), doing Pilates, eating well, dancing around my house, shopping, and yakkin' with my bff's. I think I would have missed a man more if I hadn't gotten so much love from my husband.

[@SlawKingOG]

@@RawOlympia Kevin Samuels ?

[@LunaWolf29]

I know this story sounds unbelievable and most people are listening to her thinking- that would never be me, I would never do that etc…. But I feel so much compassion for her. As a mature woman that has been single all my life, she is my sister. I wish her the best.

[@seriouslyreally5413]

1. I wouldn't "loan" more than $1000 to even a friend because that can ruin a wonderful friendship. and 2. Never loan more than you can afford to strike a match to and set on fire, even for a friend. Even friends can disappoint you and you want to be able to walk away knowing you still protected your future. Loaning or giving money away is like gambling at a casino, it's entertaiment, not a financial decision. The house always wins.

[@CodyCole80]

Advice I live by. 👍🏾

[@mikemike7096]

The sad thing is most of these what's called romance victims won't loan a dime even to their kids when they need money but they give their entire life savings to a total stranger that doesn't even exist

[@isay207]

Or neighbors friends community charity could have traveled with friends instead of giving it to potential pay for lay

[@GoToSleep-q4j]

Bro my family is literally facing imminent homelessness because my dad decided to spend $175k on a romance scammer instead of paying the bills. He even stole over $7k from us and my mom and sent it to them, but the police won’t do anything about it. It’s sad that these kinds of situations are a common occurence.

[@lilnike2]

@@GoToSleep-q4jmom needs to divorce him

[@CodyCole80]

​@@GoToSleep-q4j 🫢🥺

[@hildeschmid8400]

They tried that with me almost 10 years ago, but I figured it out somehow, and walked away with my mind intact. I was extremely lucky. I feel for this woman. They make up a name, a place where they live, and what they do. If they say their widowed, no matter how old they are, walk away.

[@shinyshinythings]

I get messages from strangers sometimes on Fb, they see my profile and assume I’m alone or something, and they tell me they like my profile or comments and they’re a retired surgeon (they’re always surgeons, haha). I block and report them. I feel so sad for the women who don’t know how to recognize scammer messages, wherever they’re from.

[@gointothedogs4634]

One started calling me in the middle of the night claiming he was in the military in Afghanistan. Apparently when my neighbor's phone was hacked, he'd found my number and photo. Amazing that I was able to figure out he was Nigerian - true story - called him on it and told him if he continued, I'd contact the FBI. That was the end of his calls. But he started out with some complimentary comments that were red flags. Plus he sent a photo of himself, claiming to be a real person here in the states. I found the real guy's info and realized there were just enough discrepancies that I knew he was a scammer.

[@Olivia-zg5zh]

I LOVE what you and your team do, *VortexTrace* ! Thank you so much for protecting inocent victims. I just recently found your videos by accident and I've binge-watched them all. I would LOVE to help you do what you do!

[@蔡仲凱-n5z]

As a Retired combat Marine I want to tell you that as what you are doing is just as important as any warrior on the battlefield. You are waging warfare against these criminals and terrorists on the digital battlefield. You are defending and protecting the most vulnerable of our society against these predators. Keep up the good work! Team *VortexTrace*

[@UncleDavesKitchen]

So sorry this keeps happening to good people that want a relationship. The internet has made a big world small. We lock our doors but open up our homes to crooks through the computer anyway. It's not only the guy outside your house that's scary but the ones you let in via the internet, too.

[@ericb8413]

Well said!

[@CodyCole80]

💯✅️💯

[@HildaRealtor]

1st red flag: they dont want to meet in person 2nd red flag: ask you to invest, actually any money involved is a red flag.

[@Fonoyb]

1st Red Flag is saying Im falling in LOVE with you!

[@thomcarr7021]

Most people are lonely to start with, especially older people. The internet causes people to be even more so. And "romance" on the internet is really people "falling in love" with an image in their mind. Then they fool themselves into believing what they want, not what is real.

[@lindaabraham8715]

You are right. I am 71, and since the age of menopause, and more and more, the wise person has to assume that anyone who shows any interest in you only does so in hopes of gain.... They want something.

[@thomcarr7021]

@@lindaabraham8715 Right, so find the person who wants companionship.

[@newtrollaccount384]

@@lindaabraham8715 I agree and I'm forty nine. I've felt that way for a few years. Even if it's not financial gain they may want emotional support and don't really offer anything.

[@nloga-priya]

This guy does more to prevent and stop online scammers than the FBI. not only are you closing the way for scammers, but also educating the public and making everyone aware. Well done *VAULT GUARD EXPERT*

[@billtruttschel]

If you haven't met in person, then they are still a stranger.

[@janetr5929]

She probably needed psychiatric or medical help before this started . These are not the actions of someone in their right mind.

[@paulgdlmx]

A fool and her money are soon parted.

[@Zia-dj3un]

Amazing work *VortexTrace* do, truly admire your ability to stay perfectly calm though the whole experience. Thanks for fighting this scumbags

[@Rivera-Arlene]

Not only are you closing the way for scammers, but also educating the public and making them aware. well done *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* .

[@judd442009]

Hopefully, "Sue's" story will help others avoid the scam she suffered.

[@Joneses79]

Every time I see these videos I say "I hope it will be this one to deter the next one or even the masses" but it seems these stories placed end to end could wrap the globe a million times over. Imagine the ones too embarrassed to even tell. 💔

[@ninam.1560]

What about the millions of other stories out there about this? The problem is they don't want to listen...you can't help them! They need someone to take over their life choices and finances...not Boyfriends or Girlfriends

[@janetr5929]

It won’t. These women can’t be helped.

[@marinam.2293]

Sadly, people aren't likely to learn from mistakes of others. Our own experiences tend to mean much more to us.

[@VioletEvans-yt2fd]

Nope. There are hundreds who are sending money to their new loves as I type this response.

[@darrellyelity3648]

Why would anybody send money to someone who they never met in person is beyond me.

[@anonymous-zn2iv]

Love is blind.

[@vicster52]

If you meet a person online and all they do is ask for money, that's your clue to run.

[@travguru8]

This still happens today, the show Catfish has people giving thousands of dollars to people they never met, some never even heard their voice and for years!

[@Nationalrun]

Awesome work, Team *VortexTrace* ! It's so satisfying to see you putting in the effort to stop those shady characters. Protecting the public, especially the elderly, from those despicable con artists is crucial. You truly deserve recognition and appreciation for keeping us secure. I'm thrilled for you because you're my sibling. Your accomplishments definitely make you a strong contender for the Nobel Peace Prize. Keep up the outstanding performance.

[@carleeporterys2113]

The amount of bravery this took was INSANE. These people all had their lives in danger, but still decided to go through with the recovery for the sake of busting bad scammers. True respect *VortexTrace* ! If the FBI was half as dedicated and ingenious (and honest) as you guys are, the USA would be a much safer country. Amazing work….

[@Heather-xz8fk]

I got scammed by an old friend from high school. Our mothers were best friends. Turned out he was a liar and a thief. Be careful of old friends from the past who have a financial crisis.

[@Svetlana-says-it-as-it-is.]

This is only my personal experience, I wouldn’t trust most of my school “friends” either or shall say school mates or contemporaries. Mmmm, I don’t know I found things I don’t like, glad I am far away in another country.

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

My husband of 40 years died in early 2014. In late 2016 I joined OK Cupid. 3 men tried to romance me. Messaging me that we would have a wonderful life together ! What before talking on phone or meeting in person? This was a clue something was not right. I had to pressure each one to speak on the phone and when they called they ALL had accents ! The next step would be them asking for money but I told each one scram once I heard the accents. Why in the world would would any woman send $ to a stranger? Desperate much? I was lonely but not desperate!

[@ericb8413]

Did they call you their ‘queen’? That’s a dead giveaway. Glad you didn’t get scammed. 😊

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

@@ericb8413 -ha ha no they didn't say that! I copied a romance scam warning off the FBI website and posted it on my profile and I told them to read it and BUG OFF!

[@TheQueensWish]

These dating sites have become the digital hunting grounds of these scammers. For a small membership costs it opens them up to a pool of potential victims.

[@Emm325]

@@TheQueensWishexcept more and more they use Facebook, it doesn’t take much more than common sense to ask oneself why are they writing random people, saying “you’re so pretty, please respond” or some other similar response. I can’t believe this lady…🤦‍♀️

[@TheQueensWish]

@@Emm325 Well of course, that’s even cheaper. It’s free isn’t it? And … they can sift through their targets info looking at photos and old posts and mining them to open conversations: “You like dogs! Oh my dog will love you!” “Oh, do you like lakes? Let me teach you stand up paddle boarding when the weathers nice …. if you’re adventurous.” etc, etc … they mirror whatever they observe of you to get their foot in the door.

[@rashadthewealthcoach]

Whether someone is a stranger or not, do NOT send money to ANYONE. PERIOD. The moment they ask you for money, end all communication.

[@rock3786]

Best advice on here

[@CodyCole80]

I can't live by this because there are times when we should help others. Giving alms is Biblical. The key is to be wise and never give anyone more than you can afford to lose.

[@AliAbdullah-v9j]

Feel So Bad For All The Elderly Folks That Have This Crap Done To Them By These Spineless Chumps! The Damn Thought Of All The People This Happens To Everyday Just Sickens Me Horribly! Keep On Doing What Your Doing Adriannotch! You Deserve Some Sort Of A Huge Reward From The Government For Doing This At The Very Very

[@Kathyjames424]

I thank you for your efforts in assisting the victims of these scams. It is important to expose these individuals to the public and hold them accountable for their actions. Such people have no place in our society. Well done, *Charge backtools* we stand by you and offer our support. More power to you and your allies. We are watching from United Kingdom.

[@jeanetteschock4744]

Wow. 2 million dear lord

[@annaclaire9927]

Crazy. Never send money. You hadn't even met the man.

[@RippleDrop.]

Childhood trauma of lack of love. There are severe consequences to that. This situation is a manifestation of that.

[@graysonwalker]

a woman who saved 2 million dollars, never married, falls for a romance scam????

[@ignacedhont9816]

Desperation

[@GavTatu]

having been relatively poor or not having any spare cash, kinda frees me from being scammed.

[@AnnaFager-q7r]

It is not so easy. Anybody could fall for that. Is is a manipulation and brainwash

[@yulchikv]

That's the whole point: little to no dating or relationship experience. That's why people like her fall prey to the romance scammers. Overachievers who focused on a career their entire life and did not get the chance to make relationship mistakes from which they were supposed to learn, become a bit jaded and reasonably skeptical.

[@vanessam9784]

@@yulchikvwhen I was traveling in India, a lady who got Roman scam told me she had no money but borrowed the money to give to the guy she was dating ( online, never met in person) he disappeared. From what I understand, she was lonely and really hoping the relationship works so she would do anything she could to make it. Unfortunately the scam knows how to get them

[@mikemike7096]

If I ask my wife for 40 years a loan for $10k she would probably get suspicious and file for divorce

[@LilyLulu5000]

Lol

[@chocmilk10]

😂😂

[@lynnegirard980]

😂