In this episode an older man is targeted by a young woman from the Philippines who claimed to be a victim of health issues and a devastating typhoon. Rather than being a young woman who was having a string of bad luck, this was a scammer who came up with one sad story after another, convincing the big-hearted gentleman to send money.
Remember, NEVER send money to someone you have not met in person. If you suspect you are being conned by someone who is perpetrating the romance scam, talk to someone you are close to for their input and advice. You can also call AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Hotline and speak to a Fraud Specialist at 877-908-3360. Or, call the Santa Barbara Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.
The episode ends with a Good News Story. Two brothers in Maryland were convicted and sentenced to three years in Federal Prison after laundering money for Romance Scammers in Ghana to the tune of more than six million dollars!