My Scam Story #14

A Romance Scam Victim/Survivor’s Story

Survivor’s Origin: USA

This is the original victim’s story, enhanced by the SCARS Institute Editorial Team to improve comprehension, readability, and continuity.

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My Scam Story

I am 65 years old, and within less than a year, I became the victim of three different scammers. After being married for 42 years, my divorce at the age of 64 left me feeling traumatized, lonely, and scared. Starting life over as a senior seemed daunting, and these feelings created the perfect storm for scammers to exploit my emotional vulnerability.

The first scam began with a seemingly innocent friend request on Instagram. The man appeared genuine and caring, quickly moving our conversation to Google Chat to “get to know each other better.” His words were eloquent and romantic; he made me feel young, beautiful, and hopeful again. Within weeks, I was emotionally attached and deeply invested in our conversations.

Before long, he began sharing stories of being very ill and in urgent need of financial help. Driven by compassion and a genuine desire to help someone I believed cared deeply for me, I sent him money from my savings. He repeatedly promised to repay me once he recovered, but those repayments never materialized. Over time, I lost a total of $72,000. Throughout this experience, it never occurred to me that this man was not real or that I was being scammed.

A few months after the painful realization of losing my savings, I met the second scammer—again through Instagram. Like the first, he suggested moving our conversation to Google Chat, claiming it was the normal way people communicated these days. Trusting his intentions, I agreed. He portrayed himself as a drilling engineer working offshore in Poland, on a contract mission with the United Nations. He claimed to be a widower with a 12-year-old daughter and expressed a desire for us to meet, fall in love, and build a future together in the United States.

Initially, he asked for a small favor—a Razer Gold Gift Card to keep his computer running so we could stay in contact. I shared my previous scam experience with him, explaining I had no cash left. He suggested using my credit cards, reassuring me he would repay me before my billing cycle ended and even promising to reimburse what I lost to the first scammer once he arrived in America. Believing in his assurances, I began to incur debt to support him.

Eventually, he planned a trip to meet me in Knoxville, Tennessee. He promised marriage, a family home near my children, and a future filled with happiness. To facilitate his arrival, he requested funds for airfare and a helicopter transfer from the high seas to shore. Blinded by hope and emotional attachment, I willingly provided financial assistance.

On the day of his supposed arrival, I received an alarming text message from a doctor in Syria. It claimed the man I was supporting had been ambushed by militants, shot, and critically injured on his way to the airport. Overwhelmed with fear for his life, I sent more money to cover alleged medical expenses, including surgery, blood transfusions, and medication. By this point, my debt had escalated to $58,000 in credit card charges.

It wasn’t until about a month ago that I finally realized the second man was also a scammer. Until then, I had prayed fervently for his survival and safe return, believing every story he had fabricated.

The third scammer impersonated a highly respected, retired military officer. Fortunately, I quickly discovered the deception and was determined to inform the real person of this misuse of his identity. Upon reaching someone who I thought was the real individual, he expressed gratitude and mentioned he was divorced, offering personal details unsolicited. Believing him genuine, I sought his assistance to help rescue the second scammer, who I still believed was genuinely injured and trapped in Syria.

The supposed “retired officer” referred me to a fictitious United Nations entity called UNA and UNAM, promising an investigation to locate and help the injured man. UNA requested $3,500 upfront for investigative fees, promising full reimbursement upon completing their inquiry. To pay this amount, I secured a loan, as my resources had been exhausted by this point. UNA later demanded an additional $7,000, of which I managed to pay $5,500 before completely running out of money.

Only after discussing the situation with my family, who quickly recognized the signs of fraud, did I accept the harsh reality—I had been scammed again. Devastated and angry with myself, I confided in my older sister, who advised me to use Google’s reverse image search feature. Shockingly, all three men turned out to be impersonators. The real retired military officer was happily married and working in Washington D.C., not in Syria. The second scammer was a known criminal operating under numerous aliases. Realizing this truth brought immense emotional pain and a profound sense of betrayal.

With support from my daughters and sister, I reported the entire ordeal to local law enforcement, and my case was escalated to the FBI. Unfortunately, I was told the investigation could take years. Now, burdened by insurmountable debt that I may never live long enough to repay, I continue seeking options to secure my financial future without losing my home.

Currently, my primary goal is simple yet profound—to be able to smile again genuinely. Joining this SCARS support group represents my first step toward recovery. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experience, seek solace, and move toward healing, guided by newfound awareness and community support.

SCARS Institute Notes:

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