Valley Man’s Online Search for Connection Leads to a Heartbreaking Scam 18 Years Post-Divorce

PHOENIX — A Valley man, who prefers to remain anonymous, fell victim to a series of romance scams that cost him more than $62,000. After nearly two decades of being divorced, he thought he had found a meaningful connection, only to be deceived by someone posing as a national news anchor.

Initially drawn in by a beautiful Instagram profile, he soon found himself entrapped in a web of deceit. “She asked me if I wanted to become part of her charity,” he recalled, noting that he ignored several early red flags.

As their arrangements escalated, the scammer demanded financial assistance. He reported that one of her requests involved sending $700 for a plane ticket. “I Cash App it over… never got a receipt,” he added, illustrating the troubling pattern that followed. Each time he sent money, the amounts added up, culminating in a staggering loss over multiple transactions.

David McClellan, CEO of Social Catfish, shared insights on the increasing prevalence of romance scams in the U.S. “I’ve been dealing with romance scams for 10 years,” he noted. With losses approaching $1 billion annually, McClellan emphasizes the importance of reporting such incidents, which often go unreported due to victims’ embarrassment.

Scammers frequently operate from overseas, complicating investigations, as McClellan explains. His organization aids victims in navigating the complexities of these scams and collaborates globally with law enforcement to address the issue. “It’s very difficult,” he said, reflecting on the challenges faced in pursuing these criminals.

Understanding the signs of a romance scam can be crucial. Fake profiles and emotional manipulation are common tactics. Victims may find that scammers rush the relationship, create elaborate stories, and consistently request financial support.

As the Valley man begins to regain financial stability—having reported the situation to his bank—he has a message for others. “Really look into it… do your research,” he warned. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with online connections.

For individuals who suspect they have been scammed, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a division of the FBI, offers assistance. Reporting can help authorities spot patterns and potentially increase the chances of recovering lost funds.