Tragic stories shed light on romance scam epidemic

A yearlong investigation by CBS News sheds light on some extreme measures being taken by romance scammers who increasingly leverage their relationships to turn victims into "money mules," posing a big challenge for investigators. Look inside the nation’s romance scam epidemic in our full series, “Anything for Love."
#news #scams #warning
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[@timclark2925]

$1.5 million dollars.....and you haven't even met him? no words

[@sdmsdm7926]

It's truly shocking.

[@louvoniaadams1232]

There's no words to explain or understand this level of gullibility!

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

There's a Sucker born every minute!

[@eriq54321]

The president of Ukraine got billions of US dollars, and we never met him

[@janetlee4421]

​@@eriq54321 Good point!

[@bufnyfan1]

My grandmother gave me great advice: "It's better to be alone than to wish you were".

[@RebeccaGreen-jt3qk]

If the person cannot meet you for coffee, then lkeep looking.

[@mary-janebelec9082]

I've stopped looking period, thankfully, much happier without "love"

[@EnnVee959]

Seriously. The whole point of online dating is to meet in person. The online part is messaging maybe 2-3 weeks or less and then meet to really get to know the other person. The online part is to allow people who want to be met to actually meet.

[@Bluelilly40]

When I was younger, my father gave me some simple advice that has served me very well over the years: "If it sounds too good to be true, it is."

[@Binacarashawn]

Mines told Mr you don't give no jitter bug (man) no dang money.

[@bevanbuckwheatshea5520]

If anyone asks you for money then RUN.

[@Maui_Gyrl_]

I went out on a 3rd date and the guy asked me for $5000. I said, NO. Never heard from him again.😭😂😂

[@7thMack]

Hey, do you have five, ten bucks you can lend me?

[@tlo9966]

Even if it is $10

[@AmonAnon-vw3hr]

@Maui_Gyrl_ every man I know has atleast one story just like that lol

[@seivaDsugnA]

Here. Have money.

[@enigmariddle8222]

SINGLE IS A BLESSING IS NOT A CURSE😅😅😅

[@marciabernard3820]

Amen

[@ValerieGriner]

Get a DOG...a support animal. They love you unconditionally...FOR FREE.

[@eden19966]

I don’t agree. Just chose better men. It’s really not that hard.

[@denisemarie6997]

Want to date? Cool. Hire a legit, reliable PI. If you are still uncomfortable, hire another, different PI.

[@TitadaCheetah]

Yes, cause being married in this day and age is stressful thanks to technology(apps, ect

[@batcactus6046]

OMG she had everything. Beautiful home,, a charming community, a dog, a daughter, a million dollars, Wow, just walk to town and meet people.

[@lorirogers9304]

Most don’t want to date an average person

[@isay207]

Thats the problem too lazy to go out

[@burly636]

My husband died four years ago, I have no desire to date in this horrible world. I met one man who was my soulmate., it won’t happen again. Isn’t the Internet lovely. I’m not even close to having that much money but what I do have it is not going anywhere.

[@texastea5686]

My mom feels the same as you!!!

[@Qraymercury]

I bet you'd fall in love with me 😉

[@Challenger2A7]

My husband also died four years ago, which devastated me. He left me comfortably off. I just can't imagine sending his hard-earned money to a random stranger on the internet, just to have my vanity and ego stroked. I also don't have the millions lying around that these desperate women (and men) seem to have.

[@Qraymercury]

@@Challenger2A7 right on lady 👍👍

[@CiprianaLeme]

Lonely people in the US are basically funding some African country.

[@TallBlondeSassy]

After watching HUNDREDS of catfish videos, I've somewhat lost a chunk of my empathy for the "victims". Especially the ones who are widowed, refused to help children or grandchildren with things like medical bills, housing, or college expenses, and then preceeded to send every last dime they have to a scammer. Seriously? Your spouse spent their lives making sure, if they died, you'd be taken care of, and this is how you show your love and respect for them? Ive also noticed how much GREED is involved in many of these scams. They get one quick glance of the FAKE bank account that shows the guy has 8.1 million dollars, or they see FAKE wills that show the scammer is about to inherit 50 million dollars and they're suddenly IN LOVE. 😅 Probably my favourite is the woman who wires $23,000 so the scammer can pay duty or taxes to send 11 million dollars wirth of GOLD BARS to her... THROUGH THE MAIL!!! 😳😳😳 My grandmother told me to hold tight to my common sense because it's no longer common. SMGDFH

[@ChooseU4ever]

@@TallBlondeSassy100%

[@seavista4810]

😅😊🎉🎉​@@TallBlondeSassy

[@geneziogenezio3299]

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.

[@nikopalmer6471]

😂

[@hillarybillary21]

$1.5 million goes to your “boyfriend” and not your daughter?

[@cathycoryell2351]

Serious, thus mom was not thinking straight. But the idea that she was lonely, and wanted a male friend, companion, , does not fully add up either. When people ask for your money, raise a flag. Seriously, automatic red flag. 8f it's love, friendship... why is money being transferred?! I wonder if the mom drowned/ died, before the money was transferred.....or within hours?

[@2525besty]

​@@cathycoryell2351 I think she was trying to make money as well

[@jeannienickel7]

Money was for her retirement not her daughter I’m sorry she was scammed!

[@ginajoseph8776]

Yes, it was suppose to be money for her to live comfortably in retirement. Unfortunately, it ended up with a scammer. So she was robbed and by extension her daughter was robbed of any left over inheritance money and most importantly time with her mother.​@@jeannienickel7

[@JNYC212]

Right??! 😒

[@chrisssendejas6945]

I just can’t believe people are that starved for a relationship 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@YochevedDesigns]

If a stranger online asks for as much as a nickel from you that's your cue to RUN! Report them and then block them immediately.

[@dizzman5546]

I wouldn't give them a dirty rag

[@bonnieruffner3032]

If a man needs money from you, it is not love. Stop trying to buy love.

[@AFAskygoddess]

🎯

[@Michelle-so2hz]

Right. As soon as they start talking money, I’m out the door

[@mrm1984]

Lesson learned 😢

[@deevillarreal9475]

It's important to understand that these men don't just ask for money, more often your sending monthly for them to submit into " your" but coin account wallet 🤦🏽 most often women are in hope of receiving a lump some back. Even if you can only sent $200/$300 a month toward these accounts, than there passport expires, there manager made your deposit into a wrong portion of your account. We didn't receive your deposit you must send it again by this date. On and on and on and on, being held by customs you name it, it some how goes wrong. All I can say is 3 of my personal girlfriends I've grown up with despite my warning have been wiped clean of any money they had put away and portions of there monthly checks today all in hopes of a big payday. Some ware warned by there Banks, UPS drivers that had known them for years. Even pay off bad checks cashed through there accounts. I don't know what to say anymore, however even being a victim you can end up facing federal charges.

[@Maui_Gyrl_]

I went out on a 3rd date and the guy asked me for $5000. I said, NO. Never heard from him again.😭😂😂

[@TheFallonCarrington]

The moment a man opens his mouth to ask for any kind of money I’m automatically turned off. Idk how these women got scammed

[@terriekurney6548]

So true...a guy asked me for $ to get a car part. Hope the car runs.

[@mirjamweibel9678]

Offen they tell its to invest and That they get a lot more back or that the man is very Rich and the Woman then have Dollar Bills in their Eyes

[@lesliewarnell5172]

Lack of self-esteem. Desperate for love. Lack of critical thinking skills. Loneliness. Lack of self-love. Vulnerable. I mean the list goes on.

[@ghjtredsw]

Hey Fallon. Can I get twenty til payday?

[@anaenjoylife1234]

@@mirjamweibel9678they can always get a bank loan and pay off with their profits. How can such a lame excuse work on anyone?!

[@sandrastevens4418]

If they refuse to video call. Break it off. If they ask you for money. Block them If a celebrity contacts you on a special account BLOCK 🚫. Don't believe pictures believe video. If they contact you 24/7 🚫 BLOCK.

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

Better yet stay off of it completely. With AI, even video chat cannot be trusted.

[@sassysue6472]

Online dating-a big NO for me. You can hardly trust people you know, let alone someone online who can say anything and you have no way of knowing who you’re really talking to.

[@bdml77]

Amen

[@acooksla]

Not true at all, it doesn’t matter how you meet them but paying attention to their actions. Anyone can be scammed, it’s to the online platform that’s too blame.

[@josi4251]

I quit trying online dating after I realized most of the men who messaged me were hinky in some way. I'm a college English instructor and I measure people by their words. There's always something weird about their grammar or word choice. One began pressuring me to adopt him (!!!) so he could live in the U.S. I logged off and thought no more of it. Fate brought me my wonderful partner -- we met at our vet's office. We have our cats to thank.

[@whatmeworry7184]

Awww, I love this story!

[@laurenlees9489]

Wow, I love this! I thought it was going to end lonely, but this is inspiring and lovely 😊

[@EE-uj6tw]

Hinky?

[@josi4251]

@@EE-uj6tw Strange, suspicious, really bad grammar that seems to be run through google translate, etc., I got weird vibes. I'm a linguist and English professor, so I analyze writing.

[@EE-uj6tw]

@@josi4251 Ahh ok,can imagine it’s quite an experience out there in the dating world. All the best😊

[@CheeTooTheeBee]

I feel she killed herself due to shame, embarrassment, and depression from all of her money being stolen.

[@Phoenix8Rising]

Is there evidence to support that theory?

[@kathybrem880]

I think she was lured there and murdered-she didn’t know anything about that area

[@queencerseilannister3519]

​@@kathybrem880 lured by who? The scammers are in Africa. She was too important to them.

[@xejelah]

@@queencerseilannister3519 They have a lot of people working for them. She would also have valuable information and could flip - if she helped authorities, some of them could get prison time. It makes no sense for her to travel all the way out there for that.

[@There348]

@@Phoenix8RisingI’d assume that’s why they said ‘I feel she killed herself’

[@schannstewart9385]

If they shower you with compliments all the time, call you dear say they are in love with you right away, only show you the same picture, refuse to do video chat...then you are dealing with a romance scammer

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

Even a video chat can be done with AI. Just don’t date online.

[@catherinegriessel56]

MY QUEEN

[@lifesyphon1]

A romance scam has got to be one of the worst crimes you can commit as a person. It’s about as heartless and cruel as it gets.

[@mimid6354]

Yes playing on the emotions is dreadful but to say it’s as cruel as it gets is abit of a stretch. I would think brutal crimes are as cruel as it gets - not only is it mentally damaging but also physically

[@yuuka6ishiro]

I worked in the banking industry for a while, I actually have never successfully convinced someone he or she is involved in a romance scam. They were manipulated to the point that bank manager and police officer can't get through to their head 😢

[@jessicam.1267]

My mother in law's best friend husband worked at the bank and he told us she was wiring thousands and the bank actually blocked the transaction as fraud. She just went to another bank

[@jayscott5618]

Well it is what it is.

[@ciobalina7445]

They just want to believe ...I don't feel sorry for them anymore.

[@pamelalansbury94]

Dr Phil can’t make some of them believe, it’s absolutely insane.

[@jljl5449]

My brother is a bank manager. He actually got screamed at by a customer who was attempting to make a large transfer. It was clearly a scam. He was actually the second manager to attempt to talk sense into this customer. This transfer would be difficult/impossible to reverse, btw, and the customer was warned about all of this. "I don't care what you're saying! You're not even old enough to understand the world," was the response. An hour later, customer slinked in desperately trying to reverse that transfer. Womp womp

[@queeng5925]

she would have been safer emailing a prisoner on death row!!!

[@monicadonnelly4991]

And it would have cost her a few hundred bucks. Cup a Noodles and Doritos are a lot cheaper

[@sjg5994]

Omg😂

[@Bailemos888]

yeah but the goal is to actually start a life with the person.

[@supernova11711]

I watched love after lock up and it’s true! If it’s all make believe anyway, just pay a criminal to provide your fantasy. It’s essentially the same thing but it will cost you a lot less. I get that these ladies are pursuing love but the second someone asks for money should be when you know. You’re now just paying for the fantasy.

[@mimid6354]

Literally!!!

[@zoe6723]

I'm a retired senior, and I would never fall for such nonsense. Giving my hard earned money to a man I haven't even met in person? Are these people crazy? This woman had so much in her life, she should have appreciated.

[@msquietwoman]

It's not just older people who are victimized. My daughter was scammed several times by people pretending to be members of her favorite K-Pop band. They got her to send them multiple giftcards and preyed upon her naivety. This has wreaked havoc on her mental health, and has resulted in having to set up more measures to protect her. She no longer is allowed to use social media at all.

[@tlo9966]

Retired at 57, had a million dollars liquid assets....how did she fall for this?

[@ValerieGriner]

No doubt that the money came from her late husband's life insurance payout. I feel so sorry for her daughter.

[@Dmmmm1545fg]

Her husbsnd passed and left her enough money to retire early. Plus whatever she had lined up for herself.

[@willankhatter]

​@@ValerieGriner😂😂😂 she was a retired medical personnel with a high rank, but no, it's her husband's money, because we're know a lot 🚮🚮

[@herpderpy9445]

@@ValerieGriner Healthcare administrators make good money. My mother was a director in the 80s and made six figures. I would bet that a good chunk of that money was hers.

[@twylap2621]

she obviously thought too much of herself. really. that is it

[@ramel79]

I’ll never get it. Anybody you’re talking to and and she/he starts asking for money should be an immediate dealbreaker no questions asked, especially if you’ve never met them.

[@Ava2969ny]

It's quite possible the woman was going through depression or extended grief, because she clearly was not able to make a healthy decision, which would have been to cut this person off the second they asked for money. It's difficult to live alone after a spouse dies; she should have moved closer to her daughter for a sense of companionship before approaching dating again.

[@aydinl5757]

She was desperate for any man. Hoping he was real That’s why they send money.

[@daveydudely9954]

Yup. It's not that hard a rule to follow, I don't care how lonely you are.

[@stormriderkaos]

Yeah there are many ways to confirm or provide evidence that someone is real and who they say they are, yet these victims seem like easy pickin's. Two generic photos and a bunch of smoochy pillow talk and they are led right down the garden path to poverty and maybe suicide. The dating sites warn people, although there's much much more they can and should do to confirm identities and locations etc. Men sometimes pay for sex and women sometimes pay for adoration, hence some might say all's fair in love and war.

[@ramel79]

@@stormriderkaos The games be so easy to see thru. The favorite go-to of romance scammers is they are out working(a high paying job)somewhere in the universe, if that’s the case it’s either they are stupid for working all the time and constantly needing money or the victim is insane not to wonder at least how come they’re not taking it up with your employer !?

[@caitlyn7310]

I had a coworker around the age of 60 that thought a man was who he said he was, she said “though I’m a little nervous because he’s been asking me to send him some money, it seems weird” I said “that’s a scam, do NOT send him money” and had to persuade her to believe me, she was so hopeful he was real

[@davidcox3076]

Hasn't the word been out for years that on-line dating can be a toxic cesspool?

[@nateh3441]

It's OK to be single people. I am baffled as why society "expects" people to be in relationships. Pathetic.

[@coolblue1812]

Exactly. Happy within with ourselves. If not adding to your joy, better stay single and happy.

[@lizzysimner7715]

Totally agree who needs this I’d rather do what I want when I want much happier way of living some people cannot be alone I guess

[@TheSpiritRoom23]

Women are the main ones whose shamed for being single especially if they’re over 30😮‍💨

[@monicascott2354]

You sound miserable. They were LONELY.

[@nateh3441]

@@monicascott2354 Quite the opposite. There is a difference between being alone and being lonely. Thank you for wrongfully assuming though. Have a great weekend.

[@Romerix11]

the craziest thing is her husband had only died 3 years prior and she was already so desperate for love. she probably sent the scammer all she got from the husbands life insurance. so sad! we need to empower women to be satisfied in life by themselves.

[@tiffbeevachou108]

Exactly!

[@videoettaceo8900]

Very judgmental. If you bothered to find out you'd know people in long marriages often remarry "quickly" as you've described it. They're used to being married so they seek out another partner.

[@Romerix11]

@@videoettaceo8900 exactly why i wrote that last sentence. Duh.

[@MKUltra42]

Imagine working your whole life and planning your finances in a way you know would protect your spouse for their whole life once you were gone and in less than 3 years they send it to some scammer in Nigeria. What a waste.

[@Romerix11]

@@MKUltra42 the poor husband had a heart attack in his grave 🤣

[@FloppityFlopFlop777]

How is a man asking a woman for money not an immediate turn-off for her?

[@shannonking6328]

I agree! Some of the men even try to say they have money but it's tied up in an investment, trust, etc., and they just need a temporary "loan" until they can access their own "large amount of money" that they promise to share with the woman so they can later set up a home together. Hard to believe so many women fall for that.

[@jcny11]

Some people love the feeling of being needed. Like she’s the only one who can save him.

[@helenestiernstrand6575]

My thinking is that these older women get a high on feeling inpower by their finances. They feel power by having this additional asset that is desirable.

[@helenestiernstrand6575]

@@jcny11Yup, Florence Nightingale syndrome.

[@leec5170]

I always say, if someone who knows you won't lend you money, why would I?

[@ellybean5868]

I just don't get it. I don't understand how people fall from this. I have been alone for years, just me and my dog. I can't fathom sending someone i have never met, money.

[@user-ne7zi3ym3b]

I can't imagine having $1.5 million to send to someone.

[@sdmsdm7926]

me either, and I play lotto once a month and have never won even a dollar....

[@a.ashley5292]

​@@sdmsdm7926 Supposedly foreign currencies like the Iraqi dinar, Venezuela digitales, and Vietnam currencies are supposed to increase in value soon, but this is not financial advice, please do your own research. Two channels talk about it (Edu Matrix and Militia Man & Crew). People on Twitter are also talking.

[@miscmisc1023]

11:15

[@MKUltra42]

Her poor dead husband probably thought he was taking care of her with a good life insurance policy.

[@user-ne7zi3ym3b]

Me, too. I can't seem to win money from the lottery.

[@bonnieruffner3032]

Connie, just because you’re smart and educated doesn’t mean you’re smart at everything

[@KimberlyBishh]

Usually it means you're only smart at what you paid to learn.

[@Batya-Grace]

Who’s Connie? No one in the video was named Connie.

[@avalonpark1574]

True, most educated people are book smart but do not have common sense and street smarts.🙂

[@AlvaBarr]

Intelligence and education are two different things. The undisputed certainty of this has been clearly evident in these past 5 years.

[@dii-N-sd]

A lot of ppl are book smart, but they lack common sense. That's a terrible combo.

[@TheWorld-xs8ly]

I’ve done online dating, off and on, for years. I’ve run into scammers and immediately end conversation. I don’t believe that it’s the sites responsibility. Grown people need to use their own common sense

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

I do, maybe not all of it but they definitely could prevent much of it. They don’t care.

[@TheWorld-xs8ly]

@@CopingwithGrattitude - Every dating site I’ve been on warn their members. They say don’t send money, meet in a safe place, etc. What else do you want them to do?

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

@@TheWorld-xs8ly Require authentication; background check

[@TheWorld-xs8ly]

@@CopingwithGrattitude - The users can do that themselves. Why would the site take on the expense and responsibility to do that?

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

The statistics have shown 50% of the people on those sites are married but claim to be single. What more do you need to know?

[@heighton7206]

My mom has a scammer and he’s been around for two years. My dad died almost 3 years ago. She’s given this guy over 60k probably way way way more. She continues to talk to him and doesn’t listen to any of her family. This has been an ongoing thing. She did have good credit.. now her credit is awful. All of my dad’s life insurance money=GONE. She took a 20k loan out and sent it ALL TO HIM! never met him!!!!!! He knows her social. Birthday. Address. Bank account info and everything and you cannot open her eyes to any of it

[@Slmdrslyr]

My dad too.

[@catherinegriessel56]

Ah but she's HIS QUEEN 😂😂

[@Slmdrslyr]

@@catherinegriessel56 men are so easy!

[@alltruth881]

It's like they are under a spell

[@Slmdrslyr]

Original poster I can’t @ you. Any updates on your mom? My dad stopped talking to everyone recently.

[@SB-000]

If a man would ask me for money, he is not someone I would be interested in. Never ever!

[@redraiderrider3289]

Right, the only thing you want is his money!!

[@SB-000]

@@redraiderrider3289 😆😆😆

[@lockandloadlikehell]

Can I have $200? Please.

[@izzylopez81]

If you're worried about your older family members and scammers, show them scam baiting videos. Scammer Payback, Social Catfish, Trilogy Media, Kitboga, Jim Browning, all on KZbin

[@mirjamweibel9678]

But Mine is not like That. Is then their answer

[@geneziogenezio3299]

IF YOU THINK ONLY MIDDLE AGED WOMEN "FALL FOR" ROMANCE SCAMS, YOU MIGHT BE THE PERFECT VICTIM!!!

[@aussiemouth747]

The Dr Phil scammer shows are my favourite. Few of them 'get it' even when the evidence is there. Mind boggling.🤔🙄🦘

[@debfox]

The problem is they all think they’re the exception because they’re smarter than that.🥺

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

Got NOTHING to do with Age. Got everything to do with discernment and trust. My grandmother was born in 1912. She never gave money away to anyone, especially Strangers, because she never trusted anyone and neither do I.

[@VanessaCurry711]

Omg poor Kelly lost her dad to cancer than that happened to her mom she’s brave for coming out to tell her story! I hope and pray they get the answers they deserve!! ❤

[@RoseRaines]

I feel bad for her too. She’s a strong person and I wish she had both parents still here.

[@MamaAteistka]

It was her money. She did with it whatever she wanted. It had to be a suicide.

[@atrocchia]

A prospective love interest asks me for $10 and it is over sooner than it began.

[@sdmsdm7926]

LOL! good to know there are some independent intelligent women out there!

[@samuelfebri1957]

That's bad

[@samuelfebri1957]

Don't send money to someone you haven't seen and also don't have much information about him

[@janejustin1788]

@@samuelfebri1957 i'm not sending money to a man even when i've seen him,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,only if i;ve dated him for years and he really needs the money for an emergency like hospital bills

[@EllaBella-76]

@atrocchia •I had a man on Instagram..He could barely speak English my Instagram account was private (WAS)I did a digital detox -The man wanted a good woman to be wife -I sent him to Grinder told him I was expecting triplets and having a sex change the bloke was so stupid he thought he could find a wife there -I am not on the market for stalking or idiots I deleted the lot and deleted all my Facebook..

[@roja7426]

Don’t people realize that if you are dating someone online and that person is a doctor, entrepreneur, etc they wouldn’t need money from you. When the heart is desperate I guess you let your guard down. No one ever get my money because my heart don’t get soft when it comes to money.

[@Beverleyrog]

He convinced her to invest in his fraudulent companies

[@eden19966]

And why would this handsome doctor/ pilot/ stock broker be interested in me whom they’ve never met, when they clearly have women all around them?

[@barbthegreat586]

I guess these people can spun very convincing stories.

[@barbthegreat586]

​@@eden19966Because you're so kind hearted, have a great sense of humour and amazing personality, of course.

[@tranquilshorestravelagency9641]

Honestly, you can't totally blame the app developers. Common sense is necessary; unfortunately people looking for love will fall for anything.

[@songmlf]

If you never ever send money to anyone for any reason you can't get scammed.

[@Battlekitten-sl2vn]

Discernment, common sense and pragmatism are invaluable beyond measure

[@BlkMagickGaia3]

A quality man would NEVER take/ask a woman he's romantically involved with for money. NEVER

[@JOAOMARCOS-nc9wf]

Com certeza. Nunca mesmo. Se te pedirem, é golpe.

[@anthonythompson12]

Not true

[@colihon3552]

not true if that's the case a quality woman wouldn't either smh

[@miscmisc1023]

11:15

[@BeyondEcstasy]

Same for quality women

[@veerahmbles]

"Smart, shrewd, savvy woman" got duped into a romance scam AND can't use the right form of YOU'RE in emails.🤦‍♀

[@dyanshane]

I know 2 people who got romanced scammed. Both would not give a dime to help there kids, and were cheap. Both were told over and over the people were scammers and they would get angry. They both lost everything and never stopped whining about it. I also seen a guy in the bank who was yelling at a cashier they would not let his money go overseas, they kept telling him it was a scam. He stormed out. Yes, these people are STUPID.

[@FloppityFlopFlop777]

Good point. It's important for people to know the patterns in people involved in this stuff.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

A guy tried with my sister back in the 1970s. He worked a second job selling women’s shoes and she met him when she bought shoes. On the second date, he told her he needed to borrow $3,000 because he was divorced with a child and owed a lot of money. When she told him she didn’t have that kind of money to “loan” him he got angry and told her he knew she had money and why wouldn’t she let him have it. In her 20s my sister knew a loser when she met one.

[@TM2U-1]

I’m so sorry for the heartbreaking loss of your beloved mother, gone far too soon.❤

[@vocal-hm3yo]

So sorry for her daughter's losses. My gut tells me her mom chose suicide, overwhelmed by undeserved shame and hopelessness.

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

Never take your own life because of someone else. There is ALWAYS a way out.

[@Phoenix8Rising]

Nah, she was probably held somewhere against her will and was closely monitored. When her captor realised she had rumbled him..she was murdered.

[@kathybrem880]

I think she was lured there and murdered

[@MKUltra42]

Well, I wouldn’t say undeserved shame. It’s ok to feel ashamed of yourself as long as you learn your lesson and change. She could have used this experience to teach other oldsters about the signs to watch for.

[@bonnieruffner3032]

When she was at the store in the car If you look at the passenger side, the door looks like someone was getting in and you can see their arm so I think she was murdered so she couldn’t turn states evidence on the person she was helped siphon money.

[@robingagan6288]

I don’t see how it’s the CEO’s responsibility. It’s the women who should know better than to send men money

[@CM-sy3to]

The men get scammed too. I know a man with a moderate income that was scammed out of 80k and he even flew to Russia to meet the woman.

[@ginajoseph8776]

I agree. They post numerous warnings regarding these scams, and the press has been reporting on this for years. I feel really bad for the daughter.

[@simoncaron6424]

Here’s the thing if the CEO doesn’t do anything, then his dating websites gain a bad reputation and people lose interest, losing customers.

[@JeffreyPerrault-hk6xe]

A fool and their money are soon parted..Sorry but not sorry anyone who sends big money to someone they've never even met is just plain stupid.

[@bwj4893]

The insincerity of that CEO was disgusting.

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

Yes, CEO speak. What a weasel. And Gail compliments him. Pathetic.

[@clintonfrazer9346]

No you're wrong my friend helped me out when I was going through a hard time we are still friends

[@daynasafranek7807]

He’s probably heard it so often that she was just another “one”, of “them, yo him.

[@mritzs5142]

He was rehearsed I dont think that was right after they approached him

[@bonnieruffner3032]

Yes, all they’re worried about is money. All of these companies are.

[@mlsa9520]

Just don't get it. How can someone fall for this??? The moment a stranger, yes they are all strangers, ask for any amount of money. It's a scam! I would run away from that person even if it was in person. Stay away from online dating people 😮

[@bwj4893]

My thoughts exactly.

[@tracycobb9499]

It's called loneliness! Seniors who have lost their significant others are very gullible and heart broken.

[@mlsa9520]

@@tracycobb9499 can't keep making excuses. This is dangerous and will continue to get worse if people continue to fall for these scams.

[@sdmsdm7926]

Some women are so lonely but loneliness is not an excuse for sheer stupidity, I will NEVER understand how you can throw your hard earned dollars and your child's inheritance on some lowlife you met online. Is it possible she was so lonely and perhaps depressed that she just didn't care about what she was doing anymore? These online sites should be held responsible, they become filthy rich at the expense of the loss of life of others.

[@kuselwa6715]

Greed blinds them.

[@luvcakes2069]

With all the information out there, people still think they're special

[@ambercruse278]

I'm so sorry for your loss Kelly 😢 love and hugs from 🇨🇦

[@jeffflowers5489]

Companies like Match would be more successful bombarding the potential victims about the facts of scamming than to block the scammers.

[@DokisKalin1]

Match owned apps are all about draining people of money to begin with 🤕

[@fc7307]

Reverse image search should be taught to everyone.

[@KatieGray1]

They'd be more successful at protecting people by charging them enough to do background checks and making them mandatory after a certain number of messages. But there's no economic motivation to do so, and they will continue to attempt to use means that will earn them the most profit.

[@jeffflowers5489]

@@fc7307 maybe the dating sites should do that before approving a membership

[@CM-sy3to]

The photos get "approved" so why doesn't the website do the reverse image searches before a profile picture goes live?

[@kdeloris2225]

Online dating has become dangerous. Now that scammers and predators have become more prevalent.

[@terrybaldridge8730]

Hell, any dating is dangerous nowadays.

[@ForageGardener]

It was dangerous in the beginning. It's intentional it keeps people alone desparate and not breeding

[@bdml77]

It has always been dangerous.It didn't become dangerous.It's always dangerous

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

I think it is twice what is reported.

[@viewandchew]

This is so great.We need so many more stories and attention on these relationships. It's so sad to me.There are so many that don't understand these scams yet.And they've been going on for years all because of the fear of technology that we have and the fear of change

[@memj89]

I personally haven't ever set up one online site. I am thankful to the young lady, who has brought this to light. I know a couple of people who has been scammed, as well. My deepest condolences to the young lady.

[@karencramer6491]

In my 60+ years I have never known anyone in my life physically who has needed money so desperately that they actually ask me or pressure me to pay them. Friends do not ask for money! Why then are people so ready to believe a string of words on a screen?

[@laurafratoni7931]

My moms ex husband who was a forensic accountant fell for an online scam @ 125k - crazy how people fall for this!

[@AS-qg1xu]

Wow! To think a forensic accountant could even fall victim to this!

[@Tweetycew1]

😮

[@KatieGray1]

Bank managers have fallen for it too. Your limbic system can override your neocortex, literally preventing you from being able to reason and make logical decisions when experiencing strong emotions. It's no one's fault we evolved like this and due to genetic variation, brain region function does vary. That means some with more active limbic systems are more susceptible, but nearly everyone with a functioning limbic system and the ability to feel emotions does remain susceptible to these type of scams. Some with severely under-functioning limbic systems (who used to be called psychopaths and are now classed as antisocial personality disordered individuals) aren't likely to fall for this type of scam, but they are more likely to perpetrate scams and feel absolutely no remorse for their victims due to a lack of empathy. But it's a spectrum of variety, so many people fall in between what would be considered normal levels of empathy and lacking it completely... and those people have an easier time manipulating others to their own advantage. Evolution hasn't even remotely caught up with technological innovation... so the best thing anyone can do is be aware it can happen to them, and try to make it hard to move large amounts of their own money without approval from one or more family members.

[@supernova11711]

Men’s egos are their downfall 99% of the time. No matter HOW old they get, it’s always believable to them that some 20 year old can fall head over heels for them 😂

[@elenaholden5218]

That’s devastating. The humans are so hungry for love more then ever in the entire history

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

I’m surprised this hasn’t happened to my dad. He’s that guy who could be catfished and scammed like this… but low key he’s cheap so they wouldnt get much

[@bdml77]

Lol

[@polynesia8733]

I feel like she committed suicide due to the fact she was implicated in a fraud crime

[@1964KYM]

Maybe ashamed and broken hearted. But this is all over the place … why are these people still doing it ?

[@Maui_Gyrl_]

Sad.

[@cartergomez5390]

She committed suicide?

[@benglo5245]

She cld have possibly because the guilt & fear of death had gotten to her, but how did she get to her place of "Where" she committed suicide, & it certainly seems like she wld have made accommodations for her beloved dog, instead of just leaving it all alone!

[@jayscott5618]

Probably

[@mildredpierce4506]

A different woman after realizing she had been scammed out of $17,000 and her husband found out about it, she murdered him. They were already in deep financial trouble when she came across a scammer and thought all her troubles were over. Her troubles had just begun.

[@kathybrem880]

Wow!

[@tsukie11]

If you have never been through something like this, you cannot judge. The only thing I can say is always listen to your gut feeling if it doesn’t feel right it is not right and don’t make excuses for the other person if it doesn’t feel right get out of there immediately! don’t even engage in conversation, nothing. get out. my heart breaks for this daughter so unfair to lose her mother and everything her mother worked for a future for them. It’s awful and heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine what she’s going through not having her mother with her when she should have been there. Everyone, please be safe out there. This world is a scary world.

[@ginajoseph8776]

I do not think this woman would participate in unlawful activity. My spidey senses says this could be a sextortion, blackmail situation. It is quite well known that some women send compromising photos and the scammers threaten to release these photos to friends and family. Man, I feel really bad for this daughter.

[@1927su]

It’s amazing the bs one so readily accepts from strangers , that they wouldn’t tolerate from friends or family.. so sad .

[@Chris-wn9hi]

I don't understand sending all that money to a stanger instead of using it to help her family be financially secure, like college funds or a trust.

[@videoettaceo8900]

It's hilarious that people automatically think the FAMILY is owed the money. Some sense of entitlement!

[@leona2222]

That’s how families work. They take care of each other. It’s not hilarious. It’s obvious

[@kathleensmith644]

Look after your own family not some outsider you have never met. They can put up any stolen picture and pretend they care about you.

[@E-Kat]

Rare, intelligently made documentary, without any background racket!! Thank you.

[@barbaragroves]

I haven't seen Jane Pauley in years. She looks fantastic. ETA: my husband’s aunt fell for this and wired 45K to the scammer. Hubs’s uncle was still alive and healthy when she did it. It was a mess

[@jeffflowers5489]

There's a world of difference between being smart and being wise. She ain't wise.

[@Mimi-zh7wc]

She's not smart, either.

[@alicejohnson8795]

I’ll never understand how women can fall for this. This happened to me on match and I immediately confronted the guy about it and told him he was a piece of garbage for asking me for money. Then I started harassing him and did that for about a week, telling him exactly what I thought about men that exploit lonely women. But the truth is, some of these people aren’t even men. So I told him he could be a 600 lb woman as far as I know. I can’t tell you how satisfying it was to let him know that he had contacted a woman that would never fall for his bulls..t, so move on to your next victim. I eventually stopped harassing him for my own safety. Didn’t want him to get him so mad that he made an effort to find me. But I sure enjoyed telling this guy exactly what I thought of him and give him or her a little taste of their own medicine. It completely blows my mind that someone would hand over their life’s savings to anyone but ESPECIALLY someone you have never met in person…that’s insanity

[@stregalilith]

@@alicejohnson8795Did you report him to match or the FBI?

[@alicejohnson8795]

@@stregalilith trying to answer you but this channel took it down. Go figure..I sort of chalked it up to my own stupidity for getting on a dating site. But I didn’t report him because I didn’t think he could be found

[@alicejohnson8795]

@@stregalilith i keep trying to answer you but the mods keep taking down my answer. I guess big brother doesn’t like what I have to say.

[@edreid7872]

It's amazing the lengths the scammers will go to gain your trust.. And love.. I had someone proclaim their love for me within a matter of weeks.. When the scammer felt like I was hooked, they started asking for money.. I immediately knew something was not right.. While never disclosing personal information, I talked to the scammer for several months out of curiosity to see the lengths they'd go..when they realized I had no intention of giving them money, they blocked me..

[@lizzysimner7715]

Be quite funny to let them think they have you like I’m waiting for money from a will trail them along then say got ya do you like being scammed

[@edreid7872]

@@lizzysimner7715I convinced them I had a very unusual sexual habit, to see if they’d fall for it.. They were willing to send outrageous videos to prove so.. I must admit, it became a sick game, but interesting to see the lengths they'd go..I totally humiliated them...

[@ramel79]

Honestly the “rewards” are awesome for little to no real masterminding schemes!

[@Devilishlybenevolent]

Its not an amazing length. Think of it like this, they can sit at home all day chatting with people on their PC/phones and it being a leisurely "job". Or they can work a traditional job and get paid PER MONTH $36 USD. Which one do you think people would rather do? I can't blame them for trying, but its dumb people's fault for getting scammed like this.

[@edreid7872]

@@Devilishlybenevolent I understand it's a full-time gig for the organized group, but if you knew the things I ask them to do, with their bodies, you'd probably be shocked, if not amazed..daily.. for months..

[@33Jenesis]

Lonely ppl are easily trapped by love scam. When a heart is engaged, it is hard to dislodge and untangle. How many ppl you know in real life can’t move on from a person even though that person was not treating them well??

[@ImagineItColoring]

Thank you Kelly for sharing your mothers story, it will help so many people out there who may not have been very aware. I hope you find more answers and peace.

[@Me97202]

You can’t love or trust someone you’ve never even met. Both take time.

[@Tahiha]

Many people actually do meet and fall in love virtually and actually build relationships and marry. My husband and I certainly fell in love long before we met in person.

[@bonnieruffner3032]

Yes, but at some point you met the real person that’s the difference we are talking about

[@alsmith9853]

​@@Tahihayour story may be true but you shouldn't tell people. Because they'll think it can happen to them

[@aliciacarstensen7904]

Online dating is where the lowest of the low of society goes as I learned from dating for 18 months. Most have criminal records many already have a girlfriends and wives. I've been single for a year and a half and it's the most peace I've ever experienced in my life

[@bdml77]

A high-quality man is so few and far between that he won't need to go online in search of dates. He'll already have options

[@bjteacher3721]

I'm sorry for Kelly's loss. What a sad story.

[@CGunterPortfolio]

Also don't depsit money for people or open accounts for them either!!!

[@Rosierx1]

That first lady wired that man 1.3 MILLION dollars ?! OMG 😳😰

[@shanahiggins4413]

So sorry you are going through so much. You are a wonderful person, an even better daughter and as brave as they come. May God stay by your side Kelly.

[@Nurturing2]

💔 I am SO sorry!!! For the judgmental people commenting, your lack of compassion is a reflection of a lost society. Every human seeks connection. Sending love and light to all who require healing. You are so very loved. 🙏😇💫

[@successwithgigi7652]

The moment a man ask me for money I would go ghost on him.

[@sdmsdm7926]

LOL!

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

Absolutely!

[@LadyAngela678]

Yep!

[@Fyoutube-ry1se]

men should do the same pay for yourself independent modern women.

[@Jacesmith03]

I truly feel like her mom took her own life out of shame, and the fact that she was under investigation. Poor woman

[@user-ye2ge4zo5lhennypenny]

I totally agree 100%

[@geneziogenezio3299]

THAT IS A VERY STRONG POSSIBILITY...SAD VERY SAD...

[@heatherangel9700]

I agree. It's very common for scammers to use threats of violence to coerce people, but the threats are almost always completely impotent. I think that the lady truly believed that she would be harmed physically if she stopped being a mule, and then once the FBI started calling she realized that she could go to prison if she didn't stop. Poor lady was in between a rock and a hard place and didn't see any way out. I wish she would have had a long discussion with her daughter because I know she would have found only support and love.

[@mpazinambao2938]

I think she feels better thinking she was killed, but they did have a hand at killing her, in a way.

[@user-gc4zy2sr2g]

Unfortunately, that’s very likely since she left her pup behind. On any “errand,” the dog could have gone along with her. The daughter was surprised to find the dog alone. 💔

[@kristinamikkelsoncasanova6287]

We had a friend who was taken by this years ago. We tried to talk her out of it but she would not listen and lost all her savings to this scammer.

[@PeopleRNuts]

These guys are slick. I stopped online dating entirely because of this. It’s so tragic that adults can be groomed and manipulated in the name of love. This poor woman… And Kelly as well. 💔

[@purplecellist]

Why does the same story start over at about 12 minutes into this video?! And then again at 17 minutes... I'm done.

[@Jake-by9ly]

This is the second video on the story

[@artificialbff]

@@Jake-by9ly More like the 6th or 8th using the same clips. I don't understand why they didn't get more interviews if they wanted to do a couple weeks coverage.

[@latrishabledsoe7766]

I was going to say the same thing 🙄 just keeps repeating the same part

[@TheSpiritRoom23]

@@artificialbffhad me lost and confused😮‍💨😆

[@nancymoraa2722]

Me too🤷

[@debbiethompson14]

I had a boyfriend. I was in love with that. Asked me to buy guns for him. Because he had a criminal record and I said ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I told him I don't do stuff like that.

[@sdmsdm7926]

thank God! He was probably ready to go out there and do the same crimes again.

[@Angelonwheels24]

You were correct in not buying the guns for him. I'm sure he just wanted them for fun and protection but if he were going to be caught as a felon with a gun that is 5 years in prison and more for each bullet

[@davidcox3076]

Good for you! If you know he's a prohibited purchaser, buying for him can get you a straw purchase charge. Which comes with many years of free room and board at a Federal hotel.

[@catherinegriessel56]

Guns, run girl, run

[@marcellelhuillier164]

How ridiculous you were even with him 😂

[@tendrmoon]

I keep hearing these stories and I’m at a loss for words. How can anyone be so gullible? Totally beyond my comprehension.

[@RR64434]

Still have no idea why people would send people money after years and years of people warning others not to do it.

[@rhondaalarian4472]

So sad,My momma was scammed out of all of her money before she passed away

[@Willow_508_]

I'm so sorry

[@stephanied1028]

Poor lady! How she did she go two years without meeting this person or at least FaceTiming them. Red flag if you can’t confirm what they look like within a month.

[@Phoenix8Rising]

They should share a video short of themselves talking about their likes/dislikes (not job, to protect women from stalkers)..maybe that would be better than just a pic?

[@stephanie6851]

i feel like the victims don't want the scammers to see their real faces in motion. They fall for these scams because they're insecure and feel old and ugly. It suits them if their "lover" doesn't want to see them on facetime. They delude themselves into thinking that someone attractive wants them.

[@MKUltra42]

I think they fall in love with the fantasy as much as the “person”. This daughter would do well to accept that her mother was broken in some way that wouldn’t let her believe everyone who tried to warn her. After she realized what the real truth was she couldn’t live with herself.

[@losslessthoughts]

Sometimes I wish I didn't have morals and a conscience... I've read a lot of stuff these people have fallen for and I was in utter disbelief. I could come up with 10x better!

[@elviscollector]

I've been online dating for 10 years and it's amazing to me the amount of women that immediately want to talk offline

[@starlightperkins330]

I'd rather be by myself

[@kathybrem880]

After 50 years of marriage, as a widow I feel so free and at peace!!!

[@bluecollarlit]

Peace Many people use that word to describe being single.

[@joeanderson8839]

I don't believe in online dating.

[@angiedelight5664]

I met my husband online dating. After our first email, I gave him my phone number and then deleted my dating account.

[@AFAskygoddess]

I dated online for a while. I dated some very nice REAL men. The difference is that they lived locally and I actually MET THEM and they never asked me for a dime. I got into a very serious relationship with one. He was a doctor and he even had a few of my friends as patients. But he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer our first year of dating. Smart women can meet nice men online.

[@Phoenix8Rising]

Match 25% scammers! That's terrifying.😱

[@kathybrem880]

I don’t either

[@Tahiha]

It’s not a ghost or religion. There is nothing to “believe in”. You either do it or you don’t. There are hundreds of thousands of successful online dating and marriage stories. Including mine. People just need to be sensible, cautious and not desperate. It’s NOT hard to spot a scammer.

[@jenniferbuchanan6562]

People are on social media way too much rather than connecting to real people and real activities. Sorry to break it to you men and women (especially those over 50 that keep getting conned) but no hot strangers are searching the internet to fall in love with you. They just want you and (sadly and ultimately) your children’s money.

[@WhatAboutUs]

People do not need to be so judgmental in the comments. Thank you to the family for being so open-this will be helpful for others who may be in the same situation.

[@artificialbff]

This 1st interview has been uploaded at least 6 times by CBS, its an important topic, surely you could have done multiple interviews rather than uploading the same one to every segment? People will click out when they see its the same exact clip they've watch a half dozen times in 2 days.

[@denisecintas4954]

Keep sending this to anyone you know. This happens to anyone going on these horrible match sites.😮