Widow's mysterious death highlights growing concern over romance scams

A growing form of fraud is posing physical, emotional, and financial threats to everyday Americans. Jim Axelrod reports on a romance scam turned tragic -- when a widow was swindled out of her life savings.
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[@davemathews7890]

The sooner someone learns that being alone isn't such a bad thing, the better off they'll be.

[@Chad_Max]

This is very difficult for women bc they define themselves based on their social relationships…

[@DrVVVinK]

The thing is, she doesn't have to be "alone". All people need is to have IRL relationships or join groups. Why not meet someone or a hobbiest/volunteer type of online, group where the person(s) is more than an hour away by car. The Internet for meeting people should be like the yellow pages or classifies back in the day. You use it for the introduction, but if there is no in person meeting by the first week, move on.

[@davemathews7890]

@@Chad_Max Good point. I'm a man. Maybe it's easier for men to live on their own. But if a woman spends her life trying to be modern, strong and independent, you'd think that she could be modern, strong and independent. Great Brando thumbnail, BTW.

[@ifitmakesnoise1659]

No. Not for long periods

[@UncleDavesKitchen]

And the weird thing is they are still physically alone, not meeting the scammer. It's easier to hide what the victim feels is their faults, their body, etc, behind the keyboard. We've lost out on a lot of interpersonal skills the past few decades since we invited the internet into our homes.

[@Ros-co]

Better to be alone than to be in bad company ❤

[@Weirdkauz]

Or, more often, boring company 😂

[@cardinal8268]

No dating after after 50. Most are looking for a nurse or a purse.

[@redwoods7370]

Or both if they can get it.

[@leanderrowe2800]

You spoke my mind and phrased it so well. I am also an elderly woman who has no intention of taking care of any men nevermind giving them a penny of my hard earned money and my children's inheritance.

[@mssdn8976]

I agree, you’ll be a housekeeper, a nurse and/or a financial provider

[@momsterzz]

HA 🤣 I have not heard this before

[@deeprollingriver52]

I’m a very active, in shape 70 year old woman. The only man I could get, if I wanted one, would be an old man. I don’t want to take care of some old man.

[@tapsars7911]

She thought that online romance was safer than meeting someone in a bar . What is really safer is to join a hobby group like a book club or something related to craft / music / sport / movies .

[@kathleensmith644]

I totally agree. This kind of thing is so ridiculous you can hardly believe this is true. How can anyone send money to someone she has never even seen.

[@user-zf3xb3qx8w]

@@kathleensmith644 Decades on this planet and learned nothing: contractors do this all the time to wives whose life "job" is to spend the husbands earned money. I thought this was the past generation until I started dating again at age 50 plus.

[@astartejones4841]

I guess being broke keeps me protected. Thank you Lord.

[@dawndavenport5166]

Lol!!

[@Starfish2145]

Anytime the person on the other end is a 10 when you’re a 4, it’s a scam 🤦‍♀️

[@claudetteharrison9739]

I was more lonelier when I was married now I'm single and I'm not Lonely no More I have my two dogs two cats and family

[@Kensington2714]

100% go out with your friends who you are happy with. Girlfriends are THE best. I have fun with my daughter & son. We go to eat, go to a city close to us to shop & we have so much fun. No need to have a man. Or as my auntie called them. 🦂🦂🦂🦂😂

[@bibibachmd9995]

Yes, don't be a nurse and/or a purse.

[@user-lj4xs4gn8u]

God bless you,glad it worked out for you. I hope your ex is well also, I’m sure you are missed.

[@Weirdkauz]

Too true, you can be much lonier surrounded by ppl who don't appreciate you, than being around dogs.

[@nr1785]

Cats and dogs are the best. They give us so much love.

[@deeprollingriver52]

Online dating is worse than going to a bar to meet someone.

[@happyhermit3141]

Suicides by scam victims are not uncommon, not because of the lost money but because of the lost dream.

[@wendybutler1681]

And the shame of being victimized.

[@Breezy3556]

And the shame after all the warnings from loved ones

[@6Haunted-Days]

Yep very common…!

[@lisamay3316]

Volunteer work is a good cure for loneliness

[@ann40069]

I worked at a Western Union.....I had a lady that would send money to a man she didn't know. I knew it was a scam.....I even told her it was. She got so mad at me , she said I had no idea what I was talking about.... It happened all the time. This was (2010-2015)...That was a frustrating job.

[@MJ-fj9yv]

Bless you for trying to help.

[@luns486]

I believe a lot of banks these days have the right to refuse these transactions if they have reason to expect this kind of thing is happening.

[@OriginLinear]

Did she ever realize she was being scammed?

[@texasmimi5566]

@@OriginLinear Good question. She did hide a letter to her daughter that said she knew she would end up dead. What's up with that????

[@user-zf3xb3qx8w]

@@texasmimi5566 probably the "relationship" moved to threatening when the "kash" or questions started coming to the top of the conversation.

[@happycook6737]

I feel so sorry for the daughter! How horrific.

[@user-lj4xs4gn8u]

Yes😢

[@katelaloba8243]

Im so grateful to be skeptical.

[@michelle.goodridge]

Never ever send people money! Never! When they start asking block, report. Do not engage. They are not real.

[@cynthiahicks1909]

It is so common- I get approached online AT LEAST two times a day- they start out complimenting you and then try to friend request you on facebook. It's always a very nice looking dude- he is always in the military and always widowed and always a doctor- you would think they would come up with someone different. I always reply: Dude- why don't you get a real job instead of trying to scam some senior.

[@user-zf3xb3qx8w]

scams are actually getting smarter: mine are young ladies 1/3 my age, but plain janes, with 100 friends, all men my age, and/or guys names Mummmbaww Mackababuttoo!!!! NO girlfriends. Next?? theyre ramp up to have a new girfriends with those same Nigerian/Malawi/Somalian names.

[@mrsc1742]

The mom killed herself, but did so in a way that would allow her insurance policy to be paid out to her daughter. She likely had given all the $ she had to "Frank"

[@user-eu2me4bp7j]

Agreed.

[@sonyadrake7843]

Her Mother sent the Scammer(s) $1.7M Probably the Daughter and Granddaughter Inheritance.

[@maxinef6654]

These scammers are cleaning up!!! I saw a video where a lady gave 2 million dollars to scammers. 🤦‍♀️

[@brendaleigh7834]

Exactly my comment. Never met the guy in person but handed over money she wouldn't give to her own child.

[@JohnEastmanExAttyAtLaw]

the daughter did it. nobody is buying those tears. the money was sent to a blind trust. they don't know where it went.

[@user-ov4wr5yu4r]

​@@JohnEastmanExAttyAtLawAnything is possible.

[@Kensington2714]

You’d have to give me a million $$$ to stay away from a man. Was married for 30 years, I got a divorce and am happy. Ladies, don’t give a man your hard earned money or money your husband worked so hard for the leave you well set.

[@larkc7677]

Put the phone down and join a public group, or volunteer in your community. Online dating is rife for fraud and is especially dangerous for seniors who aren’t tech savvy.

[@TVY2013]

Exactly; get active in the real world pursuing interests, hobbies, volunteer work and organically get to know people -- and hopefully forge friendships -- for who they authentically are.

[@mary_puffin]

So very sorry for this lady and her family.

[@JohnEastmanExAttyAtLaw]

the daughter did this, LOL. you folks are slow.

[@AnneAlready]

@@JohnEastmanExAttyAtLaw dropkick.

[@leanderrowe2800]

I hear too many of these love scams. Victims are mostly widowed older women. I am widowed for decades enjoying my single and free life. True romance when young are plenty, but after a certain age, our physiology changes and should be no longer vulnerable to 'romamce' anymore. Mature people's relationships are more of a transaction among things like : money, care giving, companionship etc. etc.

[@ChantalA489]

There is NOTHING safe about sending a complete stranger money, especially if you matched on a dating app. This poor woman.

[@Ava2969ny]

@ChantalA489 - I don't understand why she didn't see that it was completely inappropriate for him to even ask for money when they only recently matched online.

[@blackcherry6877]

​@@Ava2969nyDesperate

[@deirdrekiely6187]

​@@Ava2969nySome women are SOOOO lonely and desperate for love, as you can see.

[@daughterofolaf]

@@Ava2969nyPeople like this guy are basically professionals. They know just how to manipulate the right people to get them to do this.

[@texasmimi5566]

Why is she a poor woman? She was an executive, for pete's sake. She should have known better......

[@Dreamer20239]

Weeks ago I made a nice comment in FB and he responded if we can be friends , that’s the end of it. I never responded. Don’t need any romance in my life. A lot of scammers.

[@user-xw3ds7fs7n]

prefer being alone value the quiet

[@moddie6783]

I believe the mother committed suicide out of shame, and embarrassment. Its happened before with these scams. Romance scams are a multi million dollar business, mostly involving young men from poor countries stealing photos from someone online.

[@dawndavenport5166]

I do too. She probably realized what was going on, that despite giving this person all of her money, she was never going to meet the one in the photo. The shame forced her to take her life..

[@moddie6783]

@@dawndavenport5166 Yep. So sad. 😢

[@sunny3264]

Young men from poor countries is putting it nicely. Listen to some of the YT channels with young people impersonating an oldster. Scammers are evil, and cruel and abusive, probably possessed by demons. It would seem that way, considering the rage that manifests itself when they're not getting what they want.😒

[@stephanie7572]

Ladies, be aware that a request for money may be tied to transportation costs for them to visit you and meet in person. They may promise to pay you back when they get to your city. They are stuck in a small town where their car broke down and the mechanic wants $500 up front before starting repairs, he won't take a credit card, etc.

[@Stardusted1]

People are getting preyed upon at bereavement groups too. There’s people who go there cherry picking their victims who are more vulnerable than ever. These people are looking for something but it’s not love with YOU. It’s your vulnerability and perhaps a recent insurance payout. Don’t trust anyone!

[@miriamhavard7621]

"Cherry picking": data mining. Absolutely.

[@magicworld3242]

If you match with someone online, who "you know" would never be interested with you in person. It's probably a scam.

[@Blondie77128]

Oh but the ego doesn’t want to accept that

[@nancydemoss2945]

This is sickening.

[@susan-7865]

Online dating is more safe than going to a bar! Neither is safe! At least at a bar you know what person looks like! Online dating some people could steal photos from other sites! Did you really know who you're really talking to?

[@susuilu]

Agree, only video calls and even what is said can be a lie too.

[@SL-lz9jr]

I don’t understand people who do online dating but don’t actually meet the people in person… I only use online dating to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t be able to meet. But I take it off the apps as soon as possible. As far as I’m concerned, no one gets my money.

[@gigilamoore2656]

Nothing is safe. We had a predator in a church I went to. A long time ago, a "friend" introduced me to a man that had just gotten out of jail. This is before we could perform online searches, way before the internet. The best we can do is go into these situations as our healthier selves, not in a place of need and to slow down and think things through.

[@angelicagarza6132]

That is plain foolish, I’m old and lonely but not stupid

[@wendybutler1681]

Don't these folks watch the news? Or do they know about these scams but think their 'boyfriend' is not part of one? I read people far too well to fall for such. Too aware of the nefarious vermin to ever be a victim. I may be old and unsound of body but my mind is fine and fit. What I have lost in physical agility I have gained in wisdom. I'm so sorry that this woman was victimized. I get emails and texts from these people fishing for victims. It's obvious what they're trying to do. At least to me.

[@goyam2981]

They wouldn't be able to take money from me because I'm old and lonely, and broke. 😝

[@whyamiheredlb]

For those of us women who have already supported real life losers in our past, we know better. No man will ever get my money again without bringing his own to the table. My sincere condolences to this young lady for her loss. #NoScrubs

[@virginia3222]

Not a NURSE, not a PURSE. Words to live by.

[@sunny3264]

Yeah, remember Dirty John?

[@robertbarnier45]

This stuff is a major problem that just keeps getting worse. Are the authorities blind.

[@user-ow3xu3go1g]

It's more common than you think

[@donnahilton471]

It is!

[@papagen00]

unfortunately they will never catch the bad guy.

[@terryowen6759]

The government can but it needs to be a priority...maybe a billion dollars lost might get their attention

[@joycef8443]

I doubt he is in the US…

[@Ron71997]

She was a retired health care executive, had to be educated, intelligent and level headed. The question is how does someone like her get scammed. These scammers are so good they can scam almost anyone. 1.5 million dollars - she would not have invested that much money with a bank without talking to her daughter - yet she invested without discussing with anyone. Caution -these scammers are that good... talk to your family or friends before you send money or invest with anyone....

[@Liahs333]

Because it doesn’t matter how educated someone is, the fact is we are all human and the need for connection is stronger than good sense. Very sad

[@qweeknee4208]

Hospital admins are unrealistic. Believe me.

[@Liahs333]

@@qweeknee4208 You know them all hey

[@jamesl9371]

$1 million dollars?!!! Unbelievable. Wake up people

[@prettyxkitten]

1.7 to be exact. Basically closer to 2 😩

[@ddlang2514]

This is horrific.

[@TheJudiBambiPurrsParadox]

One reason why I gave up wanting/having a relationship this lifetime. The single ones who aren't scammers, liars, and/or cheaters, are often very boring, or no humor, or just more ignorant than I can deal with daily. I've put in the effort and they ride along the wave. So, 2 decades ago I said no more. A decade ago I gave it one more shot. So it's been just me and my cats for 11 years and way happier than with any of those life forms. I'm fine with myself for company if that means peace.

[@terryowen6759]

Believe me, i understand. I gave online dating a try, it was interesting, sometimes entertaining but very enlightening. Just trying to find a guy who could carry on an intelligent conversation was few and far between. I finally realized I was scraping the bottom of the barrel and gave up, lol. Definitely less Drama

[@TheJudiBambiPurrsParadox]

@@terryowen6759 We didn't 'settle for not being wanted by a guy' or 'just gave up looking' either, like so many say...with an eyeroll. WE chose to eliminate THEM as partners from our lives, to live less drama, trauma and more time and energy for positive things or self healing. I've found that so many who say they don't like living without another human being in the home, often don't like their own company. Why, right?

[@vickigonya9432]

In 1997 I traded my ex for 2 pit bulls and never looked back. Happier than I've ever been❤

[@yogiyogesh-vh2zx]

Such a sad and painful ending for her Mom ,my Prayers wishing the daughter every strength in this very challenging moment. ❤️

[@arcana_mystery]

Loneliness is the real epidemic.

[@glendapeace2061]

It's time for the apps to be accountable in taking care of their users, ESPECIALLY, if they are elderly. Pointing out when a profile is not photo verified. Using AI to detect language motivating them to move off the apps. Banks could also do something similar. We need to take care of the elderly

[@dawndavenport5166]

And what if the elderly won't listen? I eirked retail and have tried to tell people about these scams. THEY DON'T LISTEN! So when they buy gift cards and send money who's fault is it? People need to understand there are warnings but people will do what they want to.

[@Jim-pt8kk]

I get that she was horribly lonely, but what I don’t understand is, why does she keep sending the scammer money? That’s not what they’re addressing here. There’s more going on in this persons mind just being lonely.

[@TessaNow]

I think there is a level of vanity, of ignorance, of emotional manipulation, etc. This lady obviously knew nothing about the real world - a surprising number of people don't. They live in one city or one country all their lives. They are involved in local cultures and they know nothing of other cultures.

[@asanta2023]

Loneliness

[@Ava2969ny]

@@TessaNow - Another thing is that when some people are in a relationship, they leave the financial decisions to their spouse, and when the spouse dies, they are not only dealing with grief, despair and loneliness of losing their spouse, but they now have to figure out how to manage money; and that's where they can be easily caught in a scam.

[@TessaNow]

@@Ava2969ny That is an excellent point. However, they shouldn't have left everything to the other partner, and I would like to know your point of view on that. Thanks.

[@Ava2969ny]

@@TessaNow - I agree that the other partner should not be left with the entire estate to manage. However, most people do leave their entire liquid asset to the other partner because in a functional marriage, it's assumed that the remaining spouse will take on the responsibility. There are some smart people who create a trust so that most of money and real estate is untouchable until their children turn a certain age, and the remaining spouse can receive a portion, which is smart, but there's still no way to know if the children will manage the money well either. In this case I get the sense that she was not financially saavy, and she absolutely was not emotionally stable enough to live alone after the death of her spouse. Many people don't understand that dating is a slippery slope; trying to figure out who is being authentic and who is fake is sometimes challenging for young people, so forget about someone who is middle-aged and possibly still grieving the loss of her spouse, and living in another state with no support system. This was a disaster waiting to happen; she should have moved to the same city as her daughter.

[@MF-ty2zn]

Need FBI involved.

[@TheChesireKat]

always reverse image search people's fotos in online dating. always. and insist on texting for 2 wks before meeting. have rules for yourself. always let someone know who you're talking to and meet in public places. never send money 🙄 come on now.

[@ilenhalogram]

I know someone suffering from a serious mental illness who was catfished and they drained all her bank accounts and messed with her head so much it made her mental health spiral out of control until she was in a terrible car accident and passed away. I’m certain that she would still be alive if she hadn’t been catfished.

[@deniseeldridge3575]

This goes on on facebook as well

[@hotttt28]

Lonely folks are desperate for a honest relationship.

[@miryamamar9471]

I am surprised that the Police/FBI actually bothered to care!

[@nay0916]

It is obvious this woman committed suicide. Scammers have been known to talk their victims into suicide. They probably threatened her and that's why she took her own life. The daughter needs to accept that.

[@jeanieolahful]

I get hit by one of these days at least once a week. It’s crazy how people for these scams. Never give money.

[@dawndavenport5166]

Never!! I don't understand how people give money to strangers. It's unbelievable!!

[@sofiachampion2543]

When it is reported, nothing happens.

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

They don't feel responsible they're just going to tell you that it's illegal to give strangers money which is common sense but of course the manipulation is professional and the authorities are lame in the age of absolute surveillance

[@dtyallen9864]

In Chicago, the Fraud Department supported the scammer who filed a fraudulent mechanic's lien against my house and held it hostage for$80,000. Legal expenses drained my retirement account.

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

@@dtyallen9864 Chicago does seem to be a center of shuffling these romance scam funds and also never recovered from the World's Fair turning it into a brothel

[@nghtwtchmn129]

Private citizens are doing more that government. Look up "scam baiting."

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

@@nghtwtchmn129 the problem is when people are in the heat of getting hoaxed they can't admit it..... it's easier to hoax people than it is to get them to admit it... people seeking relationship are trying to be positive. The scammers are pros at first gaining your trust appearing normal and then flipping on you asking for help... at that point people are thinking oh God I have all this time invested? And that becomes a large Factor in their decisions. The bottom line is don't give money to people you don't actually know

[@valiantsfelinesmccarty6678]

The really scary one is the scammers who call saying they're your grandkid stuck in jail somewhere and they need money and Mom and Dad are mad at me they won't send money I don't want Mom and Dad to know etc This just happened to my 80-year-old cousin She was panicking she didn't know what to do and I said You call their mom right now or their dad You know their parent would get them help right now. Turned The kids phone had been copied or ghosted So all of the phone numbers that he had on there including his grandmas was on there and they it said Grandma they also saw some text messages he sent Grandma and so they knew things about the kid and they were definitely going to use and abuse. Another relative for another cousin in the family got hit and he did send $8,000. Thinking he was helping the kid and instead it was a scam So you have to be very careful.

[@happycook6737]

Every family should set up code words. No code word used= no help given.

[@nghtwtchmn129]

Scammers can not only learn about your family from social media, they can use A.I. to impersonate your grandchild's voice.

[@ED80s]

This happened to my dad. They called my dad saying "hi nonno fo you know who this is" do my dad said my eldest son name. he said was in jail but if my dad paid $$$ they would release him and not to tell the parents or he would be in trouble. My dad was a bit suspicious because my son doesn't speak fluent Italian. He told the caller "your dad works with the police, ask him to help you" and the call was disconnected thank God! I was so glad my dad wasn't scammed. It's disgusting what these scammers do.

[@anonymousfemale9231]

That happened to me and at first I laughed and he said no I am serious grandma…..and I laughed again and said you fool…..my grandson does not have a SPANISH accent….and he doesn’t call me grandma either and he very quickly hung up!😊😊

[@mariapadilla7501]

May her heart find peace.

[@leanderrowe2800]

At an mature age, she lost her head, lost her money and her life. I feel sorry for her daughter.

[@pmd1933]

Please the moment he asked for money. He isn't your man. Or any investments etc. Come on!!

[@dennykeaton9701]

Goose investments sounds kinda shady.

[@miriamhavard7621]

The goose that laid the golden egg............

[@gigilamoore2656]

Women, especially, have to stop thinking if they don't have a partner, something is missing. Something is definitely missing-her life. Very sad.

[@kellyharper8072]

Galena is awesome. So sorry for your mother. Hope they find out what happened.

[@happycamper4483]

You cannot send money to people you don't know. Victims are very responsible for their actions.

[@dawndavenport5166]

OMG this! Stores have warnings about scams where their gift cards are. Walmart not only have signs about scams but a video about it too that plays automatically. People need to be held accountable for their actions. Quit blaming the stores and websites when people fall for these scams even with warnings posted everywhere.

[@Dahlia4777]

Apparently, a fool and their money ARE soon parted!

[@Daniel-sh3os]

She should have stayed in Chicago. She had a support group of former coworkers and current friends there that would have kept her from being so lonely after the husband's death and warned her about sending money to someone on a dating site. It is hard to move to a small town in your late 50's. Less places to visit and harder to fit in.

[@Ava2969ny]

I think sometimes people move after a spouse's death because they want to avoid all the reminders that are in the town they formerly lived in, but it does seem that she would have been safer with a support system.

[@svenlundergard1]

...and the best thing I ever heard about finding your partner is this: "Live your life as though you're in love and you will be". Remember a time when you were in love. You were smiling, positive, optimistic, open hearted...engaging in life's wonderful things. Get out there and do that again. You'll find your partner I guarantee it. Love is just around the corner.

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

CANNOT BELIEVE HOW STUPID IT IS TO GIVE MONEY TO PEOPLE YOU HAVE NEVER MET HOWEVER LONELY ....MADNESS.

[@TessaNow]

What gets me is that there are so many people out there who are so naive/stupid, that they actually think that someone that they have never met has any real affection for them. It shows a tremendous lack of life experience, a lack of knowledge about the real world.

[@musingsofharmony3159]

Yes, I agree. It's hard to believe. Very interesting from a psychological perspective. $1.7 million? Wow.

[@TessaNow]

@@MagSub172 :) No, it's not dementia. If it was, they wouldn't be able to function with the scammer either. They probably wouldn't even know how to use a phone or a laptop. As for my not being through intense loneliness or suffering, I've had a long life of it. I'm now 72. If you think I did anything bad to deserve what happened to me, apart from being high functioning autistic, the answer is nothing. However, the major difference is that I don't fool myself that a complete stranger could like me, and I have never had anyone love me or care for me or make a fuss of me. So, one just learns to do without. I'm not taken in by scumbags telling me how beautiful I am, how much they adore me, etc. I know it's a load of hogwash. The only people who believe that are people who have never thought very deeply about anything. They've never had to, because life hasn't been very hard for them. As for your empathy, I had some 'empathetic' people show empathy to me. What a load of hypocritical hogwash. None of them would put their lives on the line for me. None of them were actually interested in helping me. It was all empty words. So I don't have much time for empathy. medium.com/humans-being-humane/how-i-overcame-42-years-of-chronic-abuse-84dcd4885ed6?sk=016f26aa4f120907363e8245684e2bd7 medium.com/humans-being-humane/on-being-disliked-77395b49333f?sk=889ed99c465961550475b41fc44ed9be

[@ladyfuschia4729]

Stupid? Really??

[@shayshaykidd1740]

Wow way to judge.hpoe you never feel alone

[@TessaNow]

@@shayshaykidd1740 I have been alone all my life. Autistic with several disabilities, beaten up, chronically abused, No help from a single person for the first 60 years of my life. The fact that I have been alone and have had to fend for myself has been the reason that I don't trust anyone - not a single soul. The lady got hooked because she didn't have a lot of life experience, was secure for most of her life, and there was a certain degree of belief that someone would find her attractive. I absolutely know that nobody would find me attractive and nobody would want to be with me, so if they told me fairy stories, I know that they would be lying.#

[@themainstreetremedy6146]

Online dating is the absolute worst way to find someone.....

[@user-il9tx9di4b]

This is a product of how romance is sold to women and how we aren’t complete humans without it. That is a crock of poop. If you have money in the bank, family and friends focus on that love. Get a dog, that is even better.

[@Ava2969ny]

Yes, animals can make good companions but they are not able to meet all the needs of a human being, which is why people choose to remarry quickly after a spouse passes away. It's unfortunate that she made some critical mistakes...moving to the small town was one; she would have been better off in the same city as her daughter to deal with the feelings of loneliness, and she also would have been least likely to keep the romance a secret...perhaping sharing information with her daughter before it went too far.

[@user-il9tx9di4b]

Neither is man on the internet only after your money. I never said a dog would meet all her needs…men don’t meet all our needs either…? Not sure what your point is here?

[@thecook8964]

Cinderella story has a lot to answer for...

[@nybsbfan18]

Such a sad story.😢

[@malcriadamedina5358]

Wait why didn't they mention the part where this lady became the scammers assistant

[@chrischicago4246]

I really hope she gets Justice.

[@jenniferwaddell5291]

So sad prayers for her hope you fine the answer s you need

[@teem9010]

Sorry, but this mothers death will not likely help anyone else. People already know about scammers with their nice pictures and backstories.LOL. they work on oil rigs, need money because..... People fall for it over and over. There is someone reading this RIGHT NOW, saying to themselves "not my online boyfriend, mine is real!".

[@loriwest610]

These scammers always use a picture of some wealthy businessman. I would do a thorough background check on them, or hire a P.I. Lesson: If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

[@Whipporwhill]

Did she ever actually meet this guy? Or was this "relationship" strictly online for several years? Very odd thst she would get so financially involved with someone she never met. Major red flags here. And why can't the money be traced?

[@smujer1]

How so very sad. To lose her mom and have to find out by herself what really happened to her. God bless them.

[@katiemorello3489]

i think she killed herself honestly because she found out it was fake or maybe someone threatened her online saying soemthing fake and to expose her and it made her terrified

[@Aochic]

Maybe match needs to do a better job authenticating their customers.

[@jawsbond69]

Romance ad should be banned for life.....

[@KLG777]

Stay Off the internet, never would i ever look for someone that way. So sad for her daughter.

[@chrisphilips2768]

The drowning death sounds suspicious, I’m thinking it was a suicide, but I would need more information. What a sad story.

[@u.synlig]

If the widowed executive already had a million dollars to "invest", what was she hoping to gain by participating in this scheme?

[@Liahs333]

I just turned 51 and I pray to the Universe for me to be content without a relationship. To live a happy, meaningful and fulfilling life without needing anyone. I mean why do these women overlook every single red flag? Because they’re lonely. Ladies, spend time with your family and friends, give back to your community and be ok with going to bed alone

[@rebekahTee-er3rz]

You wouldn't write " I knew I would end up dead" . Past tense. The killer obviously wrote it.

[@svenlundergard1]

Online dating is NOT safer than going to the bar. Neither are safe! If you're lonely, try actively participating in LIFE...try a new hobby, join volunteer organizations. Guess what Mr or Mrs RIGHT may not be a volunteer at the organization but what about "Hey, my father is single, I think you two might be able to hit it off" or "I have a brother in law who is looking for a partner" etc.

[@Ava2969ny]

I think as people get older, it can harder to actively participate in life....some are dealing with the loss of a spouse; some are dealing with their kids being grown and no longer needing them. Some are dealing with losing their own parents from old age, etc. It can be hard to get back out there and put your best foot/face forward under such depressing circumstances.

[@herewegoagain_8220]

Sounds more like she had to give money than her giving it willingly by the note.

[@tlmas1914]

u down to $1000 and U STILL SENDING MONEY TO A STRANGER????????????? JUST SOME STUPID DUMB MOVES

[@gillkind4907]

By then she was probably so mentally ill she was clutching at the unbelievable rather than reconciling herself totally to the fact everything she had saved for, financially had gone

[@texasmimi5566]

Dear friend, 90+, when asked why he bought $350. in gift cards to send as instructed for his "phone plan", said "it sounded good". I was informed before he sent them and stepped in. Got his money back as well. Older people lose their filters for scams.

[@malcriadamedina5358]

The death is not suspicious, she unalived herself since she was facing federal financial crimes for scamming others. She became the scammer herself.

[@Liahs333]

How do you know this? That she was facing federal charges for scamming?

[@malcriadamedina5358]

@@Liahs333from this very video, they don't make it apparent but they mention the mom had become a money mule helping the scammers do this to others, in other words she was scamming by money laundering in different bank accounts and money laundering is a federal crime. She knew charges were imminent so she offed herself

[@Liahs333]

@@malcriadamedina5358 I must’ve missed that. I’m sure at the beginning she didn’t think what she was doing was illegal. These con-men are very good at manipulating the victims with their lies.

[@sallyclay1974]

U r supposed to have some wisdom by the time u r up in age. U should know, not to talk to strangers on line. If they try to flatter u, and ask u for money, that's a sign to spam and block. If the creep is a younger man, or woman , she or he is a criminal. Romance scammers r criminals. They want your identity , and money.Even if u r lonely, use common sense .

[@milibells]

This is a question of mental competence. No sane person would send millions to a stranger.

[@terryowen6759]

They are extremely good at tricking people into thinking they are investing in some business venture or helping them out because they desperately need to get home to a sick child

[@Liahs333]

No they wouldn’t but what people are forgetting is that the scammers work for months, even years getting to know them so these victims feel as though they know their “partner”. It’s not hard to see these people have been deeply manipulated. And most of these victims are not mentally unwell

[@MXTuber3000]

Common sense should have dictated a facetime or video call or something, this is just Darwinism.

[@patriciadaw1210]

You could not pay me to find a date, let alone a serious relationship online. It’s hard enough to tell when somebody in person is misrepresenting themselves or lying to you let alone someone on the Internet

[@blazingmytrail1962]

You’d think dating apps would insist on ID that’s not fake. Should be linked to their bank account or something.

[@alsmith9853]

Sorry for her family but damn who has $1 million laying around the house that they can just send to some online person they never met? She'd have been better off reading Mills and Boon trashy romances

[@gigilamoore2656]

Even when the person is real, some of these people are love bombing and coming on so strong to meet emotional needs that people have. Once they snare you, they turn into the demons they really are.

[@blackcherry6877]

Why would a Swedish business man want her? Use your common-sense.

[@cynthiarouse]

Being fine with being single is a healthier reality than trolling for fantasies online. Just stop. Cultivate new hobbies, friendships and new interests and maybe you’ll meet someone new and maybe you won’t and that’s life. Be grateful to be alive unlike this nice woman who could not see the criminal behind the screen

[@blairnicole8226]

@trilogymedia this women needs help her mother deserves justice and these scammers need to pay weather she passed on her own will or there was foul play these scammers are without a doubt very guilty for this and needs to pay for this

[@mw9537]

July 2021 through June 2022, I lived a lie under a hypnotic spell of 4 people who each played different roles in the elaborate romance scam that robbed me of my retirement and inheritance. I didnt tell my family until I had lost everything; financial ruin, the emotional feeling of shame, betrayal and self loathing. I wanted to die. I have reconnectsd with my family and slowing chipping away at digging myself out of a black financial and emotional hole. I went tbrough the local police, the FBI, secret agents, the whole 9 yards. I consider myself lucky yet if I try to describe the nightmare to anybody who would want to listen, I describe my experience as "being financially, mentally and emotionally raped"....I was a victim, now I am a survivor....

[@LombardoAndrewEdward]

Happened to me also they helped me trace them down

[@LombardoAndrewEdward]

Yup they got me also and I was preyed on heavily I reported to Novacyber.

[@CDN1975]

Sounds like a suicide. Shame is a powerful emotion.

[@ronbaker6000]

My mother is being tricked by a romantic scam right now. To anyone who has been thru this- any advice to give ? I'll take it

[@katemarr1984]

@ronbaker600 First I'd like to say I'm sorry this is happening to your mom and to you. I've not been in your situation but I'd like to offer a couple ideas and ask a couple suggestions. How is your mom's health/mental health? Does she have a lawyer? If she does, I'd recommend calling him/her for professional evaluation. If she is not of sound mind it may be possible she'd listen to an objective opinion. Does she have a regular doctor? Perhaps you can mention it to him/here for their opinion, express your concerns and see if they will run some tests. To be clear I am not a Dr; what I've said are solely suggestions. I wish both of you the best and hope things work out for the best.

[@Kristin2885]

Ask if she'll allow you (or a third party) to check into this person's photos, name, information to qualify if they are real. If she doesn't trust you to do it, hire a private investigator to. The cost of doing that will be far less than what she'll lose in sending this scammer money. There are a lot of good tips on Catfished (they have a KZbin series as well). It's very easy to do a free reverse image search on photos a scammer claims is them. I think there are also ways to trace where a person is based on them claiming gift cards that you can send through a gift-card-trap. Even just send her KZbin links to the Catfished account stories that will maybe trigger her into realizing she's being similarly duped.

[@user-xz1us1dp7g]

Talk with an estate planner/attorney - consider (1) asking your mother to make you power of attorney (2) putting your name on her checking and savings accounts & then look at the activity in the accounts daily (many banks have an app that makes this easy) (3) putting your mother’s assets except for her car(s) in a trust with you as the trustee and the named beneficiary - your mother will still have input on how her affairs are managed but she’ll have more protection - online scammers aren’t the only con artists looking for easy prey so tying up assets is worth looking into - so sorry you’re facing this - your mother is very very lucky to have you - all the best to you both

[@Liahs333]

Could you ask your Mom to go to the police station with you to speak with an officer there? You could tell them ahead of time what is going on with your Mom and that you would like someone there to educate her on these scams. It’s a start