My Scam Story #25

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.

ADVERTENCIA: LA HISTORIA DE ESTA VÍCTIMA/SOBREVIVIENTE DE ESTAFA PUEDE SER INSENSIBLE PARA ALGUNAS PERSONAS. SE RECOMIENDA DISCRECIÓN.

Si necesita ayuda, únase a nuestro Programa gratuito de Apoyo y Recuperación del Instituto SCARS en support.AgainstScams.org

My Scam Story

Here is my story—it has been more therapeutic to share than I ever imagined.

Hello, I was recently [2023] accepted into SCARS just last week. As I begin this journey, I’m taking it slow, absorbing the experiences of others, and trying to focus on myself, even though I still feel overwhelmed and devastated at times.

To briefly introduce myself: in a few days, I’ll be 53 years old. I’m single, have never married, and have no children. I live in a very small town with my 85-year-old mother, who, except for her knee issues, is in good health. Professionally, I’m well-known across several counties, celebrating 30 years in the business this June. Travel is my passion, and I’ll soon be leading a group tour to Ireland, Scotland, and England. I’m active in my small country church and cherish the relationships with my two grown nephews and their five children, who mean the world to me.

Back in high school, I was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” After graduation, I moved nearly five years before returning here. I’ve been in two serious relationships—both toxic—and other relationships that left emotional scars. At one point, I even had a beautiful home but unfortunately lost it due to financial issues stemming from a toxic relationship involving a partner struggling with addiction. Although I’ve made my share of mistakes, I’ve also had a blessed life filled with joy, fun, and love from friends and family.

Fast forward to fall 2022. Friends encouraged me to try Christian Mingle, suggesting I might find companionship. Skeptical yet hopeful, I joined around Thanksgiving. On the night of December 10th, I casually “smiled” at a man named Tim from Hazard, KY. Almost immediately, he responded. Our conversation was pleasant, and he quickly captured my interest. Tim shared that he was originally from Norway, now living in Hazard, and working as a hyperbaric welder—a profession I found intriguing after researching it.

Our daily conversations quickly deepened. He shared personal details about his life: he had no children, his wife had died during COVID, and he had relocated to Hazard for a fresh start. Tim was charming, kind, and attentive. As Christmas approached, we planned to meet in person. However, just days before, he informed me that his mother, Maria, had fallen gravely ill in Oslo, prompting him to fly back to Norway urgently.

Over the holidays, our communication intensified, becoming a constant presence in my life. Tragically, his mother passed away on December 26th, and he shared videos and emotional calls with me, further deepening my attachment. Tim traveled north to Fauske to honor his mother’s final wish of burial in her hometown village. During this time, he requested financial help, citing issues with accessing his bank due to poor internet connections. Trustingly, I agreed to help him transfer $27,400 from his bank to cover transportation expenses for his mother’s remains. Soon after, additional expenses arose, and I sent more funds totaling approximately $8,000 over several transactions.

After Maria’s burial, Tim faced unexpected legal troubles regarding documentation, resulting in his passport being confiscated. He urgently needed an additional $15,000 to settle fines. Emotionally invested, I nearly sent this final amount—until my mother’s instinctive skepticism and loving caution stopped me. At 85, she saw clearly what I couldn’t, ultimately saving me from further financial harm.

The realization that I had been scammed devastated me emotionally. The dreams, plans, and emotional intimacy I shared with “Tim Robinson” were suddenly revealed to be manipulations. Despite warnings from family members, I had chosen to trust Tim, longing for love and connection. The emotional pain of this betrayal has been even more profound than other losses I’ve experienced.

Today, I’m thankful I didn’t share my bank details, having limited losses to cash sent through Bitcoin machines. Blocking Tim on all platforms was incredibly difficult, as I genuinely mourned the loss of a relationship that felt profoundly real. However, I’ve come to accept that the Tim I fell for never truly existed.

This painful experience has deeply affected me, but I’m committed to healing and learning from it. Sharing my story has been challenging yet therapeutic, and I now realize how anyone can become a victim, regardless of their life experience. I am forever grateful for my mother’s wisdom, the support of my family, and the resources available through SCARS.

I look forward to healing, growing stronger, and helping others along the way.

SCARS Institute Notes:

-/ 30 /-

Thank You to this Scam Survivor for Their Story!
Please Share YOUR Story Here!
We Will Anonymize Your Story to Help Shield Your Identity!