This is a common con game often perpetrated through online dating sites targeting single women or men.
The con artist will engage the victim in a bogus romantic relationship. At some point, the con artist will indicate they are in dire financial circumstances and perhaps they are waiting on a pending financial settlement. They may also/or ask for a loan for a business or expensive medical procedure, but promise to pay it back when they get the money from the settlement. The devious nature of the relationship may lead to professions of love and even promises of marriage.
As the relationship progresses, the con artist may ultimately induce the victim into signing a Power of Attorney document. This creates the worst case scenario where a victim can be completely drained of financial assets. In some cases, the con artist may induce the victim to change an existing will, naming them as the major heir. Real estate derivative scams are also in vogue where title, mortgage, and realtor con artists are in cahoots.
Unfortunately, victims of this type of crime rarely call the police or FBI. Usually it’s the victim’s family that eventually discovers the scam and reports it against the victim’s wishes. The victim may also be reluctant to prosecute, because he or she’s in love, scared, or just embarrassed.
This is not meant to foster fear-mongering. I personally know a guy (45-years old, successful professional) who was scammed to the tune of $250,000. He is currently working with the FBI to prosecute and recover his losses. This is an example pitfall of public online dating where there is no introduction, no reference, and no testimonial.
Sparkbliss mitigates the “sweetheart swindle.”
3 Comments
July 17, 2008 at 12:47 am
For some reason, I don’t really “feel” for people who are scammed by some con artist on online dating sites…
I have a hard time calling them victims! Gullible maybe?… I think the word would better fit the profile…
It’s only a sign of how far people will go for the sake of not being “alone”… Very sad indeed! And, my question is: how can you ever “fall” in love with someone you never met???
August 17, 2008 at 8:47 am
well for some people who have been let down in the past then to find someone from where ever that treat you with respect is a good thing you with your heart you have never been lonely it may seem . maybe not all of these people have sucsess but there are a lot of people very happy now
March 2, 2009 at 10:00 pm
right now am dealing with one con man imparticular. Wife left him he lives in the states in california woth his son. Has, ha, just left to Nigeria. Did not get on my space for love and romance. But was curiouse. I must say, they are smooth, yet because I am secure, in me and my wants, I read and followed my gut. He hasn’t asked for money yet, but will. Had another come right out for it. My question, how do i get this scum bag reported? I have kept him thinking he has me, but if he was going after one of mine, I’d want someone to interviene
Concerned in the U.S.