Anything for Love: Inside the Romance Scam Epidemic | CBS Reports
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- Опубликовано: 17 сен 2024
- Romance scammers drain billions of dollars from people seeking love, and their tactics have evolved in sinister ways in the online age. CBS News goes inside this devastating epidemic unfolding largely in secret, following the journey of an Illinois woman seeking answers after her mother’s mysterious death. Watch more CBS Reports documentaries that dive into the key issues driving the national and global conversation at cbsnews.com/cbs-reports
#news #scams #documentary
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Never put WIDOWED on a dating site. That’s like bleeding around sharks
It screams I’m now single and have plenty of cash. 💰
@@BrendaBaBoom and lonely and desperate.
Also, only date local people, so you can easily meet them. Doing long-distance dating opens you up to catfishing and scams.
or divorced
@@BrendaBaBoom People need to learn not to put their happiness in other people. The life skills of an independent life need to be taught. Nobody should lose their money and life for validation from fake people! So sad. 😢
1. If anyone asks you for money - stop!
2. If they call you hunny- stop!
3. If they ask you "how did you sleep or if you ate- stop!
4. If they say they work on an oil rig and need money for supplies - stop!
5. If they want you to buy gift cards for any reason- stop!
6. If you can't video chat with them - stop!
7. IT IS NOT A RELATIONSHIP IF YOU DON'T MEET THEM IN PERSON!!!!!!!
Good list! Also, if they call you my queen.
They won’t listen, they want to be loved so bad.
@@FaithandNova even after proof of being a scam they get mad at friends and still believe the scammer.
If the email or text the word MWAH.😂
please post this in every senior citizen center in north american
Your videos are very educational, I wish all the elderly saw it. Thank you very much for the time and effort you dedicated to it.
every minute you spend with them is one minute less than they lose stealing from an innocent victim. *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* enjoy the rest of your day and I look forward to the next video
A lot of young people are scammed as well. There was a 24 yrs old veteran who unalived himself over a scammer....
gracias por salvar y proteger a millones de estadounidenses de esta gente sin corazón, necesitamos más personas similares a ustedes, *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* Muchas gracias y todo lo que hacen
*VAULT GUARD EXPERT* I'm relieved that you are out there fighting these thugs. We must take all precautions to protect the elderly and the general public from these despicable scammers
If anyone online ever asked you for money end it immediately block them and never speak to them again. It will be a scam guaranteed
And don’t accept money from them to “send to family”.
What a well-spoken, loyal, tenacious daughter. Your mom would be proud. I'm so sorry for your loss.
The daughter is just as clueless. She clears doesn't know what true love is. She thinks it's OK for a grown woman to declare her love to a man she has only texted to for 12 days. Both you and the two women are delusional.
Impressively awesome this man really hit the ground running and hasn't stopped yet. He gives us more understanding of him without interviews and negative antics he just shows us who he is through the recovery, true living legend. We salute you.
Incredible recovery. The execution, creativity, and goodness that came from it were inspiring on a number of levels. Cheers *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* and looking forward to seeing what you do next.
Every destroyed scam office is a rescue for humanity, I really appreciate your work.
Thanks
they deserve everything that coming to them. What they do to innocent people is awful. Thank you so much for what you do. It clearly is getting to them and love to see it.
*VAULT GUARD EXPERT* .
Thank you for this video showing how these scammers operate. It makes me sad when I see so many comments in scambaiter videos where people say they had lost money in a crypto scam, and then they get replies from more scammers saying they can recover their money. I try to warn the original commenter about these crypto fraudsters. My hope is that the work you do & this video will help to educate people about these. Thanks *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* for all you
this man really Hit the ground running and hasn't stopped yet. He gives us more understanding of him without interviews and negative antics he just shows us who he is through the Recovery. True living legend. We salute you.
Incredible recovery. The execution, creativity, and goodness that came from it were inspiring on a number of levels. Cheers *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* & looking forward to seeing what you do next
People… you can’t possibly trust or love someone that you’ve never even met.
You know how many people love Michael Jackson?😅
Lonliness😔
Desperation
Delusions, depression, lonliness
@@Me97202 Never truer.
He really took the time to demonstrate it carefully and the alternative methods he provided are invaluable. Clear and concise as I like it. *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* keep up the good work
This guy does more to prevent and stop online scammers than the FBI. not only are you closing the way for scammers, but also educating the public and making them aware. Well done *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* .
extremely useful information. He really took the time to demonstrate it carefully and the alternative methods he provided are invaluable. Clear and concise as I like it. *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* Keep up the good work
I was playing an online word game with some guy on an oil rig. I asked him which rig he was on and he actually gave me the real name of a real rig. I said my brother was on that same rig and would be coming around to say hello and meet him in a day or two ( this was a lie). Suddenly overnight he had been transferred to a different rig and he wasn't allowed to give me the name of the new rig.
You were lucky!
And clever 👏
Scroll two comments up and read number 4.
@@carolkleinhans9612 Good for you, smart and happy by yourself, always stay that way till the end.
Roses are red, violets are blue. I love *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* , and so do you.
The biggest Surprise each time you expose a scammer is how little remorse or self-reflection they show. It makes it very easy to dislike them even more and to support everything you throw at them
If you are ashamed to tell your friends or family about giving money, then you are in big trouble. Just stop. You are being duped
And if they feel they are in danger call the FBI.
There was a case where I live of an older woman being approached by a young woman outside her bank. The poor young woman was "down on her luck" and in less than an hour had convinced the older woman to drain her bank account. The victim was too embarrassed to tell her family but she eventually went to the police. Of course she never saw her money again. The police said in an article in the local paper that most victims are too embarrassed to tell anyone and scammers count on that.
@@fulanichild3138 yes both romance scams and phone based computer scams are on the increase and the real number is unknown and much higher than the reported numbers
Part of the problem is these older people getting on dating sites are so naive, optimistic, and woefully oblivious to the fact that attractive men aren't looking for them. A good rule of thumb is if you're a woman in your high 40's or older, men who are attractive and successful are NOT looking for you. I can say it because I'm 54 and they're not looking for me either. REAL men who are good-looking and financially comfortable can pull younger, thinner, physically fit and beautiful women. That's just a fact. When they enter search filters on the dating sites, they aren't selecting the box for women in those higher age ranges. They're checking the boxes to return results for 20 and 30 somethings, NOT 50 and 60 somethings. When I get friend requests from men, I know that if they're good-looking, masculine, and seemingly successful/financially stable, that they're not real and that it's just a scammer behind the pic.
Exactly this. I have friends so desperate for love and attention they will tolerate anything from a man who will pay an ounce of attention to them. I’m over here happy as a lark with my doggo and Uber eats.
As an older successful fit man, I can attest to that. Still able to attract women in 20s and 30s. But VAST majority of young good looking women who contact me via dating sites are fake. It is so easy to spot them. Here is what to do: first ask yourself why would someone so attractive be interested in me? Then, if you are still so gullible, suggest VIDEO call. That is the end of conversation.
Not necessarily correct. Women are no different to the men, they ignore the real genuine men looking for a relationship.
@@ninozah Narcissism is a big issue too....they may just want your money.
You took the words right out of my mouth. I always want to comment something like this but hold back because for sure someone in the comments is going to call me insensitive and rude. Thanks for having the guts to tell the truth!
I was on a senior dating app for one month and it was awful..so many scammers on there. I did not fall for any of their bs.
The 3 younger men that messaged me did not want to talk on the phone-red flag number one. Then I pushed and they agreed - they all had accents. Probably from Nigeria. NO WAY!
Thankfully you’re aware. So many older women fall for the “my father was Swedish, my mother German and I was raised in France.” To explain the accent.
Good for you, Shelley! Some people are so desperately lonely, that they hear what they want to hear, I think.
Lol
@@carpediem6431: Horrible....
Don’t blame the dating sites. Come on. Wise up, don’t declare your love for someone you’ve never actually met, and start sending money to them.
Scams aren't always through internet sites. My mother was conned by a handyman who'd done work on her house. Thankfully, the handyman committed the cardinal sin of putting his boots on the furniture. He was ejected from the house never to return. Phew, that was close.
It surprises me how many people are so trusting. I had a terrible childhood, so I trust no one.
I don’t get it. If dude wants you to send cash, Steam cards, iPhones, help them get out of Syria, Bikini Beach, an oil rig, desert the military, pay for import in gold, taxes, medical treatment. Stop. If dude calls you Honey, Queen, Baby. Stop. If dude says he’s widowed, spouse died of cancer, kids in school in odd country. Stop. If dude is in Army and needs cash for medical. Stop. Just stop. Know what? Just stop.
They should put this warning on dating sites. Maybe they do.
No - here's something better- disconnect your damn PC from the internet and use it for word processing. Your IPhone? Toss the damn thing. Get a flip phone. And no, I don't know how to text...NOR do I care to learn. My wife is mad because 99.9% of the time, I don't even turn it on. I enjoy being a "ghost" and I LIKE it THAT WAY. My parents, who are getting older (I'm 60), I won't LET them get an IPhone or a PC.
They always claim to have exotic jobs but always have money issues too.
Exactly
Being honest and law abiding makes you an automatic target because honest people are more trusting.
Being honest and law abiding can make it more difficult to see the bad in others.
Nah, being honest and law abiding is a separate issue from being desperate & gullible.
Is very unfortunate that she falls prey to a romance scam. As a law abiding person, she should have reported to the authorities when she is coerced into being a money mule. by agreeing to be a money mule, she has assisted the criminals where more will fall victims. Am sorry that she has passed on but this can be salvaged at an earlier stage by being open to her loved ones. And even to the end stage, one’s moral compass/ ethics should tell one that one should never assist the criminals.
@@carmensaify being a decent person is a separate issue from being a douchbag who feels the need to insult victims of crime in order to make you feel better about yourself .
that's nonsense, I'm afraid. And if it's true, all the more reason to point out to the "honest and law abiding" that they are gullible and about to fall for a crime or perpetuate further crimes. It's age and loneliness and desperation for affection and love that makes people blind to red flags. Not some perceived superior morality @TheLydiaR
Use a reverse photo search to make sure who you are talking to is actually that person in the profile photo. The first mention of money is a huge red flag that you're being scammed. Can't even fathom sending a stranger you've never seen a million and a half dollars. RIP, Laura.
THe reverse search used to be really great but now doesnt work any more!!
Most reverse image search sites and apps don’t check social media accounts, which makes them mostly useless for detecting romance scams. They’ll only find celebrities or people who’ve been in the news. You need to use one that specifically says it works for social media.
@@Sashazur THey used to work find you copy image and then save on desktop then reverse search up util very recently it worked really well and now sonmething has happened and its rubbish!!It should be a social protection tool and they need to unrestrict it. Google have changed alot also their search engine has deteriorated and gotten less accurate , there are vid on it.
Let us be kind in our thoughts to the victims 🙏🏾. The desire to be loved can lead to myopic decisions that may be incomprehensible to others 🙏🏾
Middle aged woman here . I get it , your post. Still , whatever happened to common sense ?
The problem is that people my age think the internet is like the local village shop, where everyone is kindly and honest. You need an extremely high degree of cynicism online. Trust no one. That is just how it is.
@@sabevabg Many people are scammed everyday by everything from the news to fake websites selling clothing. They trust too easily and don't do research.
@@sabevabg It's lost in this day and age of passing common sense being labeled as "victim blaming." Everyone does wrong and makes mistakes, some more catastrophic than others. Doing nothing to point out their mistakes and sweep it under the rug under the guise of "caring and understanding" helps no one. It allows those who make the mistakes to blame others, not learn and others miss out on an opportunity to learn from their choices. Common sense isn't so common when they have others cheering them on telling them that they did nothing wrong, when it's clear they did.
This actually doesn't help anyone. There's plenty of evidence online that dictates exactly how a romance scam works. Is someone is online, it only takes a second to research the signs of a scam or to fact check what a potential scammer is sending you.
Because of you and all the guys that work for you.
Also your channel people are catching-on. Thank you and everyone involved, keep up the great work you're amazing *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* love all you guys for helping so many innocent people.The goverment or FBI should be paying you all
Why don’t dating sites use geo blocking? Many sites use this. It’s crazy to not protect people with geo blocking or banning VPNs
How is any app or website going to block a VPN? Is that even possible?
Listen I feel for this young lady and the note her mom sent reads like a suicide or goodbye letter. This young lady needs to get over this and not let it dominate her mind and thoughts.
@@davepirtle9790 Though, I do believe the mother might have done self-harm. I still think the daughter needs to find (true) answers as to why. I'm a widow too. We with I decentered the concept of relationship. I had a wonderful relationship with my late spouse. I can't ask for better than that. This woman should have just focused on dating, without strings, and lived her best life on her own.
How do you block a VPN? Pray tell.
Geo blocking? Super easy with vpn to spoof your IP address as a local person! Fake emails, fake pictures, fake accounts. So all from Nigeria…
@@blacksilverchair3315 Can severs ie these dating apps moderators see who is using VPn is that possible? And block those using it.
Remember kids….the fastest love dies the quickest.
Kelly, if you read here please know I'm sending you heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your Mom. I'm so sorry for what you and your family have gone through. Thank you for sharing and helping others. I'm a 57 y.o. keep to my self empty nest, single mom. I have trouble with trust, for good reason. May healing, protection and comfort settle gently over you, your daughter and family.♡
I am sorry for your loss and the turmoil your mum experienced. No one deserves this.
I also add that this occurs in real life as well. Some people are not as they appear and can deceive many people in person without the cover of the internet. I had a friend for over three years and thought I knew him well. My error entirely. He played a great long game and I gave him all the ammunition he needed during the 'friendship' phase. I drew a map, so to speak.
I am sharing this because I want others to know that this isn't just an online phenomenon, it can happen in person, and with someone you thought you knew well over a long time. It is not just the financial toll, this will affect me for the rest of my life.
Please be careful and confide in a close friend or relative, as an independent opinion could save a life.
So true. I was manipulated by someone in my life who I met in person. Not online. 3 years later. It ended badly. Knew how to play the part to a T. Narcissist by the book. I won't deny the fact Iet it go on too long, and I'm not a stupid person. It can and does happen to people you would not imagine.
I didn't lose material things so to speak. But I was stripped internally and left with WTF was that??? And empty and not able to talk to anyone unless they had experienced the same circumstances.
You are so right.
This is exactly why I never go on dating sites or apps
dont you think that you are safer. I have been contacted on my cats account in insta, there are tons of them contacting people in FB etc.... you dont need to be on dating app where your guard is at least a bit up... if you use social media you will be a target.
I just don't date..my dog keeps me company & doesn't want my money
right- it is a cesspool..ugh
My son just married a fantastic girl who he met online. Sometimes it is a good thing. They live each other deeply and will have a wonderful kife together.
@@mrsmerily I know this wasn't meant to be funny, but the cat's account?! That's intense. Thanks for the warning. You can't be too careful.
You're actually the push for me to get my degree in Information technology so that I can protect people from heartless people like this. Thanks *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* for your expertise on recovery
The real question is why are Americans so lonely, how do we improve the community dynamics??
THIS is the real sad issue. To be so incredibly lonely that an online person can get you to give up money with an online "I love you." There is a mental and emotional brokenness that is so deep.
socio-economic equality, period. America isn't 'the land of the free' - unless you're white, male, and have money. Key problems - institutional and societal racism not withstanding .. 1) lack of universal healrh care is the starting point- because if someone can't access health care, poor health has a domino effect into every aspect of life, the ability to work being key., 2) universal maternity leave, 3) subsidised childcare.
Very good point.
This is more than just being lonely. Women are the main ones falling for these scams because they like to hold on to this idea of Disney, fairytale love. So when some guy they never met in person starts telling them: “I’m a millionaire. We’re gonna get married and travel the world and live in a giant house”, they fall for it without seeing any real proof that this person is even real.
You hit the nail on the head.
Oh Kelly. My heart goes out to you
The finishes of the goals. beautiful magisterial. love you *VAULT GUARD EXPERT* .! & Whoever's reading this, I pray that whatever you’re going through gets better and whatever you’re struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic recovery! Amen!
There is a special place in Hell for these scammers… I truly believe this.
Sorry they ar on to the next victim immediately...
I really feel for that poor woman. She must have been so lonely my heart breaks for her.
She was very attractive too and possibly didn't realise there would have been plenty of real potential partners in the real world who would have adored her.
If so why these potential partners never iniciated anything? That's the problem with society, even attractive people could end up single because people around don't initiate any contact, they don't care.
@@magdam8290People need to learn not to put their happiness in other people. The life skills of an independent life need to be taught. Nobody should lose their money and life for validation from fake people! So sad. 😢
I’ve ignored all ‘widowed’ men on FB. I’m not even on any dating sites. When I change my profile pic to my elderly father or my dog, they stop messaging me. If I ever wanted to date online, I would move quickly to a phone call and then a FaceTime to establish who I’m dealing with. But so far after 10 years being single, I’m feeling ok with it.
A FaceTime call can be faked with AI software called OBS or Bandicam.
A lot times the problem is to think it will never happen to you.
I don't think thats true, I think this mainly happens to individuals who are desperate and who don't have much meaning in their own lives so they start to look for "love" on those dating apps. I don't think a well adjusted and reasonable person would hand over their entire life savings to a total stranger on a dating app 🤷♀
@@craazyyy_gigi50 there is another RUclips video where an investigator says that she sees people young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, doctors and everything…The lady’s daughter said very clearly that her mother had fulfillment in every aspect of her life, except one…. So to think these people are desperate and this and that is very foolish. They probably had the same opinion as you do.
@@anlu3365 actually you are wrong. The scammers send out 1000 messages. Only few get hooked. It is certain type they hook. Naive, good and in loss. The other type they hook is greedy, desperate.
Bingo. Happens with cults, scams, car accidents - everyone thinks they know best until they get in trouble.
@@craazyyy_gigi50I'm in my 40s and just got divorced. Even from that and the pain it caused, I would NEVER give a man money. I never did when I was in my 20s, single and dating. I didn't pay for a man's drink or a Happy Meal. I even dated a younger man in my 40s and he paid for me out of his small paycheck. So yes, there are women who don't do this.
If they live far away ghost them. If they don't meet you in person by 2 weeks, ghost them
You cannot buy love...
Yes you can! Money can
Make anyone love u
No that's what family is for.
You can rent it
These scammers are VERY good at what they do, if you can’t meet the person, then drop the conversation. The persons picture needs to match photo on the dating site. Most people on the romance websites now are FAKE. Keep this in mind next time you communicate with anyone on the internet…especially dating sites.
the sad things is for a lot of people, all common sense goes out the window when someone on a dating app starts taking to them and paying attention to them.. can't fix desperate people who will overlook all red flags so they can be "loved"
@@craazyyy_gigi50 you can now train chatgbt... i think it would be safer way if you really only need to hear someone faceless nonbeing saying they love you.
No they're not, its blatantly obvious. If you're a middle aged divorced woman a handsome international finacier isn't going to be interested in you, period. Just take a look at their lifestyles. They party with beautiful 20 somethings on yachts, they're not gonna be chasing a homely middle aged divorced woman for romance....
Imagine living in a poor country half way around the world where you discover that there’s this NeverNeverLand where with a few stolen pictures, a script and some time, my god, someone you’ve NEVER met will send you money because you say all the things on your script “I love you” “you’re my soul mate” “I’m coming for you” “I’m rich and we’ll have this wonderful life.” It’s actually amazing that 95% of the profiles aren’t scammers.
@@carpediem6431 According to the statistics in this video around 30% of the profiles are fake.
I'm sorry for your mom😥 , I wish you the best .❤🙌
As a 60yo it astounds me how many "pretty young women" want to talk to me online and are looking for love.
I’m a 60-something female and am amazed at how many attractive doctors find my posts fascinating and want to get to know me better.😂 I ignore and block them.
I am in my 60s and even King Charles wants to romance me! 😂
@@thisperson5294 🤣🤣Epic....
In other words, naïve.
Yes they're either attractive and widowed doctors, engineers on an oil rig in the North Sea or active duty officers in Iraq with too much time on their hands. Lol
This is so sad, but unfortunately, it's also preventable. We've seen people turn to social media and online life as a replacement for real, face-to-face relationships. It’s understandable-it’s easier to stay at home and connect with others through a screen. But there’s so much value in physically going out and engaging with people, whether it’s through hiking clubs, golfing meet-ups, or volunteering in groups that match your interests. While online connections can be convenient, they can't replace the richness of real-life experiences and relationships. Stay safe and take the time to build genuine connections in the world around you!
If they ask for money or anything to do with money, block them.
Affects teenagers too, they send money to their online "friends"
@@Momo-po5tn Oh dear!
The minute ANYONE asks you for money.......RUN. No one who TRULY loves you will EVER ask you for money. I remember a guy who tried dating for a long time. He said, most of them would start asking him for money within 2 weeks. He immediately would dump them....
The loneliness she was experiencing must have been so consuming. My heart breaks for her and the family.
The loneliness drives them into flat out stupidity
Hard to commiserate
Years ago I was scammed too. By a man in who else,Nigeria.I won't go into any details but all ill say is I do not talk to men online anymore. I don't even go on social media anymore. I'll tell everyone be careful especially on Facebook because that's where they are.
I hope you are allright now and healed.
My suggestion - don't even go on the internet. I use mine to only do word processing, check ebay prices, and watch Utube.
I even have them on Pinterest messaging me! WTH! I’m seriously considering getting off all social media.
Don't buy love
If you’re a guy going on dates in person it’s about the same thing.
OR only buy love if you know that's what you are doing.
Can't buy me Love - The Beatles
Or at least buy the kind that gets you something physical!
Why does she refuse to acknowledge the obvious truth?
It’s called grief. There’s many stages to it. First you deny it
@@AlainaMoore-sc7xw but despite facts she refuses to move beyond that and makes ridiculous assertions
1.5 million dollars, lost!!!! Good grief!!
Everyday I get messages from all sorts of men-mostly younger. I would sleep with a blow-up doll before I could ever be scammed by someone with whom I’m not acquainted.
😮
How do you know they're younger? Because they say so in their message? Think again.
Well, I would sleep with the younger men but not give them my money. Anyway, have fun with your blow-up doll!!
@@lifesabeach8133well probably because of the profile picture they put lmao
Exactly - put the phone down and don’t rely on online dating sites to meet people. Join a club, church, or volunteer in your community.
Whatever happened to "don't talk to strangers...."?
Good question to ask the millions registered on the thousands of online dating apps out there today.
Yes but are we not a bit hypocritical when telling our child not to talk to strangers but yet force them to interact with family members they only see once in a blue moon? What kind of message is that?
Middle aged, overweight, but with lots of money will attract scammers. The lady should have looked in the mirror & remembered her age. Instead of chasing a dream, get involved in your community by doing volunteer work, get a hobby, travel, spend time with your kid.
All true. Sad but true.
This guy was in her age at least so she thought.
What's all you have with age ? Look the president of France he is in his 40 s a d the wife 70
He was groomed by his teacher. Being groomed at a young age by an adult is different than being an adult who makes stupid decisions. @@lemaxx2638
there is nothing wrong with wanting a partner.... Not just young people need love, but older people too. Of course it's bit harder to find a partner when you are 50+ but not impossible. I know plenty of people who found love in their later years.
In this day and age nobody can have an excuse for not doing video calls. If someone has a phone or a computer, they can talk with you on video. If they refuse - block. If anyone starts to discuss money before you have even met in person - block.
The scammers will eventually master the latest technology -- AI. Bet it won't be long before we see videos where a person talked to an artificially generated person in a video chat.
Omg that's so real
Because people are so lonely and desperate
Not me thinking this it’s obvious as people spend all or most of their day on their cells instead of looking into people’s eyes being in-person
Scientists are saying there’s more loneliness, addiction and suicide than ever!
can't fix desperate people. It looks like Laura had an ideal life, better than most people get to have but she threw it all away for a fake online relationship
@@craazyyy_gigi50 Even those with nice things can be desperately lonely and sad.
Especially the middle aged.
Yes, absolutely. Until someone has been in the situation, can't really throw judgment at them. Have a great day!
@@terriblue68 I have been in a Similar situation,
This society which is completely morally and spiritually empty creates these types of people
Have a nice day!
Darnit, I saw this story already elsewhere. Horrible story. I’m so thankful my mom is frugal and she will never send a dollar to strangers.
Sorry to say, but the mother took her own life. She left a note addressed to her daughter. Frank probably told her on the phone that his investment, or business has failed and that the money is gone. So sad 😢
I think she took her own life when the FBI contacted her about money laundering...Probably they wanted to charge her and she took her life out of shame.
It isnt just online scammers. I know someone who married a man who somehow got his name on her property and she has been left with nothing. So there are conmen (and women) out there even though we dont want to believe it.
Sad but the first red flag is asking for money
first sign that its a scam is the other person is way out of your league. why would they be interested in you?
Its so easy to do reverse images but NO they are lack of common sense. They fall in love with the picture ONLY.
Exactly 💯
There was this 70yr old woman being message by a super HOT 30yr old guy claiming he was madly in love with her 🙄
And she believed him and sent him hundreds of thousands of dollars believing he going to come home and marry her SMH 😞
It's the ego of these people thinking that these young men/women actually want them. 😏
Exactly ❤
Women don’t know their league 🤷🏼♂️ with all the “body positivity” and “everyone’s a 10” movements.
How is the guy in the pics out of her league? They look pretty age and appearance appropriate to me. It's not like the scammer was using pics of some 30 year old model.
A friend of mine lost her husband. In 6 mos she was befriended by a man who i thought was suspicious. I gently tried to talk to her about being vulnerable, but she stopped talking to me.
Yep. And the scammers egg them on by saying stuff like "they should mind their own business".
You'll have the last laugh for sure
@@wolfwillet431i dont think they want a laugh, they are worried about their friend
When she give’s everything she has and is abandoned, she’ll call for support and for you to listen to her cries about being scammed. Notice I said “gave away” her $, because that is what it is. So many of these victims say how they were “scammed” or “robbed” but the reality is that someone they’d never met or actually seen outside a picture said words the wanted to hear ❤, and they willingly sent money, then more money, then more money. You ex friend will pivot from “you’re just jealous and don’t want me to be happy” to “woe is me.”
@@carpediem6431 Here's what I want to hear - Hi Dan...I will give YOU money. Expect $20 grand in $100 bills in 5 days. It will come via FedEx. And no, you never need to pay it back. I just feel like giving it to you. If I don't hear ALL that, then I"m not interested in them. I might talk to them if they sent a case of beer every week to my doorstep however.
Stop sending money to strangers and you don’t know anyone unless you spend a lot of quality time together face to face.
And even then, you may not know them 😏
True
I might have fallen for this 10 years ago when I was so lonely and looking, so no judgement here. I expected them to say Facebook was the scam portal. I'm blasted with FB friend requests and messages every day. They run to type and are pretty easy to spot. It's a nuisance and creepy.
I hear you. I was too. I tightened up the security on my profile. I don't even like Facebook or social media. Period lol rarely visit or log on anymore. The novelty wore off long ago.
This in NOT loneliness. It needs its own mental health diagnosis definition. Bc WHO sends money to persons they haven't met, don't know?
Religious people do. They believe in god/Jesus and think they have a "personal relationship" with them even though it's all in their heads. Some of these preachers even convince them that God needs money or that they will be rewarded if they give $$$.
$1.5m ? Yikes. So sad.
If you’re older and lonely just get a poodle, whatever size that best meets your lifestyle. They are the best dogs, so smart and easy to train & love to be with you. They will take all your cuddles but not your money ❤
The stolen profile pics almost always look the same on FB, - older, midde aged men, pictured on boats (to portray wealth), who work internationally, in large business / oil rigs, their page has minimal friends and posts,
I literally just watched the Bee Keeper with Jason Statham! I can't believe how much is involved with these monsters who prey upon the innocent! These are such disgusting people and I just can't imagine how they can live with themselves after destroying families.. RIP
“Online dating felt safer?” 💀
I feel so much sympathy for that daughter. ❤Unfortunately, her mother was lonely, desperate and gullible. My sympathy is thin on the mother, I don't understand how you can hand over your life savings to someone you've only met online.
I agree. There is a certain level of responsibility and introspection that has to be maintained. Yes, they were scammed but they partly allowed themselves to be scammed.
These women are completely lack of common sense.
When you are lonely and long for love your rational mind stops working. I have much sympathy for the mother.
@@Gajdacsi61 So pleased to see a kind, empathetic and understanding comment among the harsh and ignorant.
@@Gajdacsi61 the mother could have found other ways to find "love" instead of giving away her entire life savings to a stranger online is just mind boggling. plus Laura left her daughter without any answers which is also very selfish
I think the daughter might want to approach her mother's death from the standpoint of the young people who have ended their lives because of online blackmail scams. They were convinced to take intimate pictures of themselves and then were told, if you don't send us money, we're going to share those pictures with your parents and everyone at your school. A few of these kids ended their lives and some scammers have been extradited to the US to face charges. I don't think anyone actually murdered this woman's mother, but they certainly precipitated her sad end.
It’s kind of upsetting when they say unequivocally “this could happen to anyone!” I’m sorry, but no it couldn’t. I feel very sorry for the victims of these scams, but they always eventually do one thing; they become very secretive. If you have to hide what you’re doing, there’s a little voice telling you, something isn’t right
You're so right!! I'm 70 and way too savvy to fall for crap like this so yes, some of us won't fall for these.
Yes it can happen to anyone, whether romance scam, amazon scam, realtor scam etc. They are opportunists
good point
I tell my wife - DON'T PUT ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT I'M DOING ON THE INTERNET. NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW. IT'S NONE OF ANYONE'S BUSINESS. Not that I have anything to hide...because I don't. I'd just rather than "ADVERSTISE" every damn thing that's going on in MY life. Rule #1 -if you're going to be going on vacation - NEVER tell ANYONE until you get BACK....unless you want your house broken into.
We send Nigeria 2 billion dollars a year. Cut this money off until they stop these scammings.
Agreed!
In general, to all people: You don’t need a spouse to have a fulfilling life, especially if you already have children. I think it’s good to be aware that most people in this world are bad people, and we need to see how people act over time to know if they’re a good person. If you see a red flag, run.
Easy. Our society doesnt teach people to truly loves themselves and to look for love outside, and then we get desperate and fall for anything
True
spot on
It's hard to understand how a relationship can be so all consuming important. I wonder if this woman wasn't seeking "love" as much as she just wanted to stop hurting and feeling disoriented after her husband died. 2 years is still not quite healed. I don't know. I was always happiest single, but didn't do a good job choosing right men. I think education is key, because in the end we're the ones who can do the most to protect ourselves. I'm so sad for her daughter. God bless her, give her strength and peace.
One of the worst things in the world is to find love when you are vulnerable
True
Give yourself a lot of TIME!!! 😔🙏
She killed herself out of shame.
Maybe i just enjoy being alone but online dating is a no no for me. I cannot see myself being so desperate to be loved that i would pay for it.
Where is their common sense????
old age, loneliness, and desperation cause some people to lose their common sense. the only person I feel sorry for in this video is the daughter who is left without any answers because her mom was selfish and too cowardly to seek support
@@craazyyy_gigi50 Often the underlying cause is Trauma in childhood. A kid that was raised with love, that was heard etc., won't be able to fall trap as they would have developed a stable identity and valuing themselves.
I've noticed the vast majority of people getting scammed are religious --just like this lady. You have to throw out common sense to believe in all that stuff.
I love RUclips because of all these videos warning about scams! I'm 60, I've been unscathed so far, thank God 🙏 fingers crossed 🤞....RIP dear, I feel for all victims of scammers 😢
Most people who ger tricked, won't say anything. We almost got tricked by a phone call saying it was the sheriff. The scammers are very good.
I will never answer my phone. Do not disturb is always on
I think we need to have a huge education about this and get all the red flags out to everyone so they will be more aware when approached by this.
This has been going around for freaking decades there's no excuse for it. I am 65 and when I was a young girl of nine my dad told me don't ever date a man who asked you for money. He said real men will never do that. You know what he was absolutely right.
There is info on these scams everywhere!!!
So sad. Some people are so naive but it's still criminal to do that.
It’s always a broke rich man 😅
I am curious as to why these dating sites won’t simply block registration from “foreign” countries, especially scamming hotspots like Nigeria and Ghana. I am aware that Scammers use VPNs but there needs to be more effort into blocking scammers from those areas. RIP to the victim in this case. It can happen to anyone. Please get a hobby, good friends, and focus on loving yourself. 🙏🏿💕
I agree, loneliness can make people do desperate things, close friends in your same situation and volunteering or hobbies are fulfilling in themselves. Romantic love is rarely what it's cracked up to be. If you need physical attention, there are other methods to suffice.
@@jeanbeans7926 I agree! 🌟
There’s really no technological solution that would block foreign scam accounts while at the same time not driving legitimate users off of the platform.
My heart goes out to Kelly. Unfortunately we live in a society that disregards older people, especially women, so when anyone pays them attention, they are very vulnerable to scams. Best thing I've done is to stay off the "dating" apps and sites - these are little more than online pimps enabling fraudsters and dangerous people. Honestly, the longer I've been single, the more I enjoy the freedom and peace of mind - and I am certainly worth my own good company. Stay safe - respect yourself.
One and a half million dollars to a Nigerian scammer is the same as two hundred and fifty million dollars to an American scammer.
A male friend of mine, that I had met through Match, passed away, but I kept seeing his profile still on the site. I emailed them and told them he had died, but they never responded and left the profile up. I haven't been on Match in years, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were still active.
Sounds like suicide sadly….
This is so sad, sorry for the loss of your mom. I hope the other lady is found innocent.
I understand the want for companionship, but no 'friend', especially never met, would ask for money.... never, never, send money to anyone online!!!
Happens to young teenagers too
If Laura is a “victim” so is Jennifer and those charges need to be dropped!
I feel bad for Kelly… I always joke about how hard it is raising parents these days, but there is some truth to that joke bc we may have to teach our parents how to live and adjust to some of the technology we use and also how to identify scams (which is almost everything online). I think our parents generation is much more trusting and naive to many things and people… our ways of life were much different before the internet.
I agree.
All online scammers are widowed and abroad. Red flag alert
Come on old ladies think , guys don’t want old ladies they want young women
Under 60 years old is not an old lady.
@@cherylween4973above 40 and overweight it is, for me at least
Wrong. Normal older men wants women close to their age... Narcissists need young women to show off, so they buy their affection.
@@elsafolgar5224 not all of them. Men are interested in me and I am almost 60.
Having done dating sites, you do have to be so careful, and quite skeptical. Especially as a female. It's just cruel and tragic
Yep. Frank's voice sounds Nigerian. It seems beyond unlikely that a person, a woman no less, would drive over 200 miles to a strange location to do self harm.
1.5 million Jesus Christ
Insane amount of money to give to someone you don’t know