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in Romance Scam
dailystar.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Two Thai women alleged they were victims of a romance scam by a man named Bank, 32, who falsely claimed to be a military doctor in Bangkok and manipulated them into providing financial support totaling several million baht over five to six years. Bank allegedly used false claims about unpaid military salaries, affairs with other women, physical threats, and purported black magic rituals to maintain control over his victims, targeting women in the medical profession for their higher incomes. Both women sought legal assistance through the nonprofit organization Saimai Survive to pursue justice against the alleged fraudster.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeting online daters are increasing across Illinois, with scammers employing tactics such as rapid relationship escalation, requests for money via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and avoidance of in-person meetings. The Illinois State Police warned residents to watch for red flags including suspicious links, isolation from loved ones, and pressure to communicate on private apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact their financial institutions if they have suffered monetary losses.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A woman named Mary lost £10,000 to a romance scam involving a fake AI-generated US Army Colonel named "Mike Murdy" on Tinder who used deepfake videos and sent physical gifts to build trust. The scammer claimed to have a £607,000 life insurance payout and convinced Mary to pay £10,000 for an access code to unlock a briefcase allegedly containing the funds, but she received only blank papers. The case illustrates how modern scams use AI-generated images and videos to impersonate romantic interests and exploit victims who are often reluctant to report due to shame.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Bronx man, Bashiru Ganiyu, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in an international fraud and money laundering scheme that targeted elderly victims through romance scams between 2020 and 2022. Ganiyu received nearly $12 million from over 40 victims into bank accounts he controlled, deceiving them into sending money under the false pretense of romantic relationships, then laundering the proceeds to co-conspirators based in Ghana. He was ordered to forfeit over $11.7 million and pay restitution of approximately $7.7 million.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A UK woman in her 60s lost approximately $25,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a US Army colonel named "Mike Murdy" on Tinder, using hyperrealistic AI-generated videos and messages to build trust before requesting money for a fake life insurance payout scheme. The scammer sent convincing video messages personalized with the victim's name and details from their conversations, along with physical gifts, before ultimately delivering an empty briefcase filled with blank paper. This case represents an emerging threat as fraudsters increasingly leverage sophisticated AI technology to create deepfakes that are difficult for victims—especially those unfamiliar with AI—to distinguish from authentic communications.
pandasecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police arrested nearly 30 members of a criminal organization that used AI-generated deepfake profiles of attractive women to defraud approximately 400 middle-aged men across Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India in a romance scam totaling $46 million. Victims were lured into fake romantic relationships, manipulated into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms, and unable to withdraw their funds. The article advises victims to watch for red flags such as investment solicitation from new online contacts and signs of manipulated media including unnatural body postures, flat-toned audio, and mismatched facial features.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A 60-something UK woman lost approximately $25,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a US Army colonel on Tinder using AI-generated videos, images, and voice messages to build trust before requesting money for a supposed life insurance payout and briefcase delivery scheme. The scammer, claiming to be "Mike Murdy," sent hyperrealistic AI videos personalized with the victim's name and details from their conversations, along with physical gifts, to convince her of his legitimacy until she discovered a briefcase filled with blank paper. This case represents an increasingly sophisticated form of romance fraud that combines AI technology with traditional romance scam tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Identity theft and fraud affect Americans at alarming rates, with the FTC estimating true losses at $137 billion in 2022 despite only $9 billion being officially reported, prompting AARP to urge stronger consumer protections before Capitol Hill lawmakers. Veterans face particular vulnerability, with one in three targeted by scammers who impersonated the VA or pitched fraudulent investments, resulting in $477 million in reported losses in 2023. The article provides practical prevention advice for common scams including holiday shopping fraud, solar panel schemes, and veteran-targeted impersonation scams, recommending consumers type website addresses directly, verify offers through trusted sources, and research companies before providing personal information or
gmtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams remain the highest risk for adults over 55, followed by online purchase scams and romance scams, according to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker Risk Report. The article provides consumer protection guidance including: avoiding unsolicited calls (especially from spoofed numbers), recognizing red flags like pressure to act quickly or requests for unusual payment methods, hiring only licensed contractors after thorough vetting, being alert to emergency scams targeting grandchildren, and avoiding Medicare fraud schemes involving "free" medical equipment.
notreallyheremedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Tameside Police issued a warning about romance fraud (catfishing), where scammers create fake online profiles to build trust with victims before requesting money for emergencies, travel, or business opportunities. The advisory emphasizes that anyone can become a victim and recommends prevention strategies including maintaining open communication about online relationships, setting healthy boundaries, using reputable dating platforms, and resisting pressure to move to alternative messaging services.
oregonlive.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman has become deeply engaged in messaging four purported musicians through Telegram, with two promising to visit her, and she is suspected of sending them money. The advice columnist and FTC data indicate this is likely a romance scam, which accounted for over 64,000 reported cases and $1.14 billion in losses in 2023. Friends and family should educate her about common scam tactics, express concern for her financial safety, and establish clear boundaries such as requiring video verification from the supposed celebrities before any money changes hands.
adn.com
· 2025-12-08
The article addresses concerns about a friend who is messaging individuals posing as celebrities on Telegram and may be sending them money—a pattern consistent with romance scams, which the FTC reported numbered over 64,000 cases in 2023 with losses totaling $1.14 billion. The advice recommends warning the friend about these common scam tactics while emphasizing concern for her financial and personal safety, and suggests implementing verification methods like video calls before any money changes hands.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is investigating a crypto romance scam that defrauded at least 71 victims of nearly $5 million, with federal prosecutors in North Carolina seeking to seize $4.99 million in recovered Tether cryptocurrency. Scammers posed as romantic interests on social media platforms using fake identities to lure victims into fake investments on a fraudulent exchange called Bitkanant, then froze accounts and demanded additional fees; two victims alone lost $2.75 million. The operation targeted seniors, particularly those over 60, reflecting a broader trend of crypto scams that exceeded $5.6 billion in losses during 2023.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
An international romance scam ring involving 12 members (9 Nigerians, 1 Russian, 1 Angolan, 1 Filipino, and 1 Korean) was arrested by Seoul Metropolitan Police after defrauding 14 Korean victims of 1.4 billion won through fake personas including US soldiers, UN staff, and international students. Over 10 months, the group approached victims via social media, requesting money for various schemes such as customs clearance fees, account releases, and compensation claims, primarily communicating through text messages to avoid detection. The criminals used borrowed-name bank accounts and operated from overseas, with the operation managed by a Russian national in Korea who
africa.businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI targeted a romance scam operation linked to $5 million in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes affecting approximately 71 victims, including a 60-year-old from North Carolina and an 83-year-old from Minnesota. Scammers used fake identities on social media to build romantic relationships with victims before directing them to invest in a counterfeit cryptocurrency platform called Bitkanant, after which they cut off contact and disappeared with the funds. The U.S. Attorney's office seized nearly $5 million in Tether cryptocurrency in August, with one victim losing an entire retirement account, and the FBI is working to identify perpetrators and return assets to victims.
nairametrics.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is investigating a crypto romance scam ring responsible for up to $5 million in fraud, with federal prosecutors in North Carolina seizing approximately $4.99 million from suspicious Tether wallets linked to the operation. The scammers, known as "pig butchering" schemes, built trust with at least 71 victims (including a 60-year-old from North Carolina and an 83-year-old from Minnesota) before luring them into fraudulent investments on a fake exchange called Bitkanant, where victims were then blocked from withdrawing funds unless they paid additional taxes and fees. Two victims lost over $2.75 million combined, and the scam rings
tech.co
· 2025-12-08
Venmo, while convenient for peer-to-peer money transfers, poses significant fraud risks through scams such as fake payment links (phishing), online purchase fraud where sellers never deliver items, and duplicate profile scams where fraudsters create accounts mimicking legitimate users. Users can protect themselves by enabling two-factor authentication, verifying recipient information before sending money, using the app's native payment features for purchases, and never clicking suspicious links or sharing login credentials.
catcountry1073.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents about two holiday scams: romance scams, where criminals use fake online identities to build trust and manipulate victims into sending money or gifts; and ransomware attacks, which lock computer files and demand payment for their return, often triggered by clicking suspicious emails or links about package deliveries. Both scams exploit holiday season vulnerabilities, and the FBI advises victims to verify identities, never send money to strangers online, and avoid clicking on unsolicited messages about packages or purchases.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
A reader was invited to join a VIP online investment club that initially showed profits through manipulated small-cap stocks to build trust, then pressured members to invest in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ether, and dogecoin—causing most participants to lose all their money. The scam, known as "pig butchering," uses confidence tricks to gradually compromise victims' judgment through promises of returns before disappearing with funds, and commonly exploits psychological vulnerabilities through social media solicitations and fake cryptocurrency exchange websites.
rfa.org
· 2025-12-08
South Korean police arrested members of a scam syndicate that operated in Cambodia after relocating from Laos's Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone to escape intensified crackdowns. The group deceived approximately 66 South Korean victims through "pig butchering" romance scams and fake investment schemes promoted via manipulated YouTube videos, stealing 11.16 billion South Korean won (US$8 million). The operation lured victims to Laos with promises of short-term profits, then forced them into fraudulent activities before relocating to Cambodia as authorities shut down illegal scam centers in the region.
wealthmanagement.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly individuals are increasingly targeted by sophisticated internet scams, with the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report documenting over 880,000 complaints from those over 60 totaling $3.4 billion in losses—an 11% increase from 2022. Notable cases include a 76-year-old retired lawyer (Barry Heitin) who lost approximately $740,000 after being manipulated into thinking he was assisting a government investigation, and a 79-year-old man (Alfred Mancinelli) who lost nearly $1 million in a romance scam. Tech support fraud generates the most complaints, followed by romance, cryptocurrency, and investment sc
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Foreign scammers are using AI-generated images and fabricated military identities to conduct romance scams targeting vulnerable U.S. widows, with perpetrators primarily operating from Ghana and Nigeria. These "Artificial Patriot" scammers build emotional connections through social media and dating platforms, then request money for fabricated emergencies (medical bills, travel expenses), with victims losing substantial sums including their life savings through untraceable wire transfers and gift cards. The scam exploits widows' emotional vulnerability and difficulty distinguishing AI-generated fake military profiles from authentic ones, even using stolen identities of real military officers like General Matthew W. McFarlane.
podcastingtoday.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scam Detectors is a new educational podcast hosted by BBC technology journalist Jane Wakefield that aims to raise awareness about rising scams and provide consumer protection tips. The inaugural episode focuses on romance scams, featuring a case study of an individual who lost nearly $60,000 through a dating app scammer, alongside research showing that 30% of UK adults and 30% of US consumers have been fraud victims, with romance scams causing average losses of $2,000 and accounting for the largest financial impact among fraud types.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta disclosed its multiyear effort to combat pig butchering scams, having removed over 2 million accounts linked to scam compounds in Southeast Asia and the UAE in 2024 alone. These scams, which have defrauded victims of approximately $75 billion globally since 2020, involve organized crime syndicates operating forced-labor compounds where over 200,000 trafficked people are coerced into impersonating romantic interests or investment advisors to extract money from victims worldwide. Meta stated it is collaborating with law enforcement and other tech companies to disrupt these criminal operations, though researchers note the company has been slow to publicly acknowledge the problem and engage with the
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams affect millions of Americans annually, with one in five adults losing money to online fraud, including romance scams, investment schemes, and identity theft. Beyond financial losses, scam victims often experience significant emotional trauma including feelings of betrayal, powerlessness, and reduced self-esteem, with effects extending to mental health, physical health, and personal relationships. Mental health organizations and fraud protection technologies are increasingly working to support victims and detect fraudulent activity, though scams continue to evolve with tools like AI-generated videos making deception more convincing.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Donna Nelson, a Perth grandmother, was arrested in January 2023 at Tokyo's Narita Airport after two kilograms of methamphetamine were found hidden in her suitcase. She claims she was a victim of a romance scam perpetrated by a man named "Kelly" whom she met online, and that she unknowingly transported the drugs after he convinced her to pick up a suitcase from Laos under the pretense of helping with his fashion business. Her trial in Japan is ongoing, with a verdict expected in early December 2024.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta removed over 2 million accounts in 2023 linked to criminal gangs operating "pig butchering" scams from Southeast Asia and the UAE, which lure victims into fake investments through social engineering and cryptocurrency fraud. These scam operations, which cost victims globally an estimated $64 billion in 2023, often rely on coerced labor from hundreds of thousands of workers forced into scamming under threat of harm. Meta and partner organizations recommend victims use two-factor authentication, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment offers and impersonators, and verify the identities of unknown contacts reaching out through social media and messaging apps.
therecord.media
· 2025-12-08
Meta removed over 2 million accounts in 2024 connected to pig butchering scams—fraud schemes originating from Southeast Asia and the UAE where criminals pose as romantic interests or investment advisors on messaging and dating platforms to lure victims into depositing money into fake cryptocurrency platforms. The scams are operated by transnational criminal groups running compounds in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and the UAE using trafficked workers, with victims often losing their life savings before the fraudsters disappear. Meta collaborated with law enforcement, NGOs, and other tech companies through the "Tech Against Scams" partnership to combat these crimes, though the UN warns that scammers are increasingly adopting advanced tools like
socialmediatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta reported removing over two million accounts linked to scam centers in 2024, primarily originating from Southeast Asia and the United Arab Emirates, that were operating "pig butchering" romance scams—sophisticated frauds where scammers build trust with vulnerable individuals online before manipulating them into cryptocurrency investment schemes. The company is collaborating with law enforcement and NGOs to disrupt these criminal operations while recommending users enable two-factor authentication, verify email addresses and URLs, and remain cautious of suspicious links to protect themselves from such scams.
about.fb.com
· 2025-12-08
Criminals operating forced-labor scam compounds primarily in Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the UAE) systematically target people worldwide through text messaging, dating apps, and social media to perpetrate "pig butchering" and investment fraud schemes. These criminal organizations, estimated to control up to 300,000 forced workers, steal approximately $64 billion annually by building false trust with victims and manipulating them into depositing money into fake cryptocurrency and investment platforms. The article outlines how scam operators use deceptive personas, scripted social engineering tactics, and phased withdrawal schemes to exploit victims globally before disappearing with their funds.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig butchering scams, which cost Americans billions of dollars annually, involve scammers building fake romantic or friendly relationships with victims over months before directing them to fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. Meta announced major countermeasures including taking down 2 million accounts in 2024, dedicating staff to identify scammer locations, sharing intelligence with law enforcement, and automatically flagging suspicious messages on Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and WhatsApp. The FBI reported nearly $4 billion in crypto investment scam losses in September 2024, though actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting, and critics argue tech companies' responses remain insufficient given the scale of the problem.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies nine common scams expected to target people in 2025, including grandparent scams (using AI to impersonate relatives requesting money), mail fraud schemes, debt collection scams, and lottery/prize scams. The piece advises consumers to watch for red flags such as urgent language, requests for personal information, poor grammar, unsolicited contact, and suspicious links, while emphasizing that verifying identities directly and avoiding hasty decisions can protect against financial loss.
mdjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article Type:** Educational/Awareness
Georgia's elder fraud investigators identified three dominant scam methods targeting seniors in 2024: Romance Scams (exploiting loneliness and shame), Bank Examiner Scams (impersonating government officials to trick victims into transferring funds), and Sweepstakes Scams (convincing victims they've won lotteries and must pay upfront fees). These scams persist because seniors are reluctant to report them due to embarrassment or fear of admitting vulnerability, and scammers target victims through social media and public information about their wealth and lifestyles.
spokanejournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial fraud targeting older adults has significantly increased in sophistication, with U.S. financial institutions reporting approximately $27 billion in suspicious elder financial exploitation activity from June 2022 to June 2023, and older adults losing over $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023 alone (though the FTC estimates the actual figure may reach $61.5 billion). Check fraud has become particularly prevalent, increasing 385% nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, with criminals stealing checks from mailboxes and using chemical solvents to alter amounts while preserving signatures. Financial experts recommend protective measures including using permanent gel markers on checks, avoiding blank spaces, monitoring statements regularly, and educating family
vindy.com
· 2025-12-08
A fraud awareness forum in Youngstown hosted by Jewish Family and Community Services attracted 126 seniors to learn prevention strategies from Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova. The program covered major scam tactics including phishing text links, romance and catfishing schemes, AI voice impersonation, home improvement fraud, and warned against sharing personal information on social media that could endanger children or be used to answer security questions.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta announced the removal of over 2 million accounts related to "pig butchering" scams in 2024, elaborate fraud schemes where scammers build fake romantic or friendly relationships with victims over months before directing them to fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The FBI reported victims lost nearly $4 billion to crypto investment scams in 2023, with actual losses likely much higher due to underreporting, and Meta is implementing new defenses including automatic flagging of suspicious messages from strangers on Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and WhatsApp.
siliconangle.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta removed approximately 2 million accounts linked to "pig-butchering" scams, a sophisticated fraud scheme where scammers build trust with victims online before directing them to invest in cryptocurrency or fraudulent job opportunities. The accounts originated primarily from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines, and studies indicate these scams have stolen over $75 billion globally since 2020, with Americans losing a record $4 billion in crypto scams alone as of September.
q1057.com
· 2025-12-08
Robert Giuliano, a New York fugitive with a history of fraud, is wanted for romance scams targeting women and is listed among New York State's 17 Most Wanted Fugitives. Previously convicted in 2014 of scamming dozens of victims across multiple states out of thousands of dollars through a fake concierge company ("Giuliano Group Concierge"), he has continued criminal activity through dating scams and maintains false online profiles on LinkedIn and Instagram to deceive victims. Law enforcement believes he may be in New York, Miami, or Scottsdale, Arizona.
listverse.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database. The content is a general listicle about various scams (cryptocurrency investment scams, online marketplace scams, phone scams, etc.) rather than a focused article about elder fraud, elder abuse, or scams specifically targeting older adults.
To be useful for Elderus, the article would need to specifically address scams affecting seniors, elder financial exploitation, or elder abuse cases. Please provide an article or transcript focused on elder-specific fraud or abuse for summarization.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Donna Nelson, a Perth grandmother, is on trial in Japan for importing two kilograms of methamphetamine after being deceived by an online romance scammer named Kelly whom she had communicated with for two years without meeting in person. Nelson claims she was unaware of the drugs hidden in a suitcase she received in Laos, believing it was a sample for Kelly's fashion business, and did not suspect the scam because Kelly never asked her for money. The case highlights how romance scammers can manipulate victims through emotional connection and trust, bypassing typical warning signs.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta removed over 2 million accounts connected to pig butchering scams on Facebook and Instagram, which involve elaborate romance schemes designed to manipulate victims into cryptocurrency investment fraud before stealing their money. The scam centers, primarily located in Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, UAE, and Philippines), often employ victims who are coerced into fraud work under threat of physical abuse after responding to fake job postings. Key warning signs include unsolicited messages from attractive profiles offering investment opportunities and requests to invest in cryptocurrency or transfer funds to the scammer.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two Nigerian nationals operating from the Chicago suburbs, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, conducted inheritance scams, romance scams, and business email compromise fraud schemes that defrauded victims of at least $3.5 million across the United States. Ibekie was convicted on 14 counts and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, while Aniukwu pleaded guilty and received a 10-year sentence; a third accomplice, Jennifer Gosha, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges and awaits sentencing.
ntd.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Bradenton, Florida man was arrested for defrauding a 74-year-old Texas woman of at least $250,000 (possibly up to $600,000) by posing as Elon Musk on Facebook and promising a $55 million return on fake business investments. The article also highlights a related case where a 26-year-old Minnesota man was arrested for stealing over $100,000 from a 77-year-old widower through an online romance scam, reflecting a broader trend in which scammers stole at least $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older in 2023.
becu.org
· 2025-12-08
Native and Indigenous elders in the U.S. face disproportionate risks of financial fraud and scams, with one documented case involving a tribal member losing $15,000 to a sweetheart scam. According to federal data, Alaska Native and Indigenous individuals are more likely to be victims of scams and less likely to report them than other groups, with approximately one million Indigenous and Alaska Native people over 65 across 574 federally recognized tribes. Community organizations are working to address this vulnerability by providing support without stigma, while recognizing that factors like regular tribal payments, Social Security, and cultural values around resource-sharing make older Indigenous people particularly attractive targets for financial exploitation.
japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
· 2025-12-08
The Asaminami Police Station in Hiroshima created a viral video featuring police officers dancing to an anti-scam song performed by nursery school children, which exceeded 10 million views within a week of its October 7 upload. The song warns against romance and investment scams on social media with lyrics set to the folk tune "Turkey in the Straw," designed by Sergeant Kazuha Kanbara to reach elderly audiences through children's voices.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology is being weaponized for widespread fraud, including financial scams where criminals impersonate executives or loved ones to steal money (one case involved a $25.6 million loss), sextortion schemes, and romance scams enhanced with fake video. The technology poses escalating threats to individuals, corporations, and institutions as criminals exploit AI-generated deepfakes faster than legal protections can be established, with victims including everyday people, minors, and public figures targeted for financial exploitation and non-consensual explicit content.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams on social media and dating apps caused 45.4 billion won in damages in the first half of the year, with scammers building relationships with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments. Victims lost significant sums—including a man in his 40s who invested 100 million won after initial "profits" and a woman who lost tens of millions through a fake overseas trading site—while others faced extortion through sextortion schemes. Authorities recommend immediately reporting suspected romance scams and avoiding investment recommendations from unverified online sources or private exchanges.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A cybersecurity researcher discovered that Forces Penpals, a dating app and social network for military personnel, exposed an unencrypted, unpassword-protected database containing personal information on approximately 1.2 million U.S. and UK service members. The exposed data included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, military service documents, and user photos, which could be exploited for identity theft, romance scams, deepfakes, or to track military operations. After notification, Forces Penpals restricted public access to the database, though it remains unclear how long the exposure lasted or whether unauthorized parties accessed the information.
chicago.suntimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Three suburban men were sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating romance, inheritance, and business email fraud schemes that defrauded victims of at least $3.5 million. Anthony Ibekie received 20 years, Samuel Aniukwu received 10 years, and Jennifer Gosha is pending sentencing; the trio built trust with victims through social media and dating websites before directing them to send money under false pretenses including fake inheritances and compromised corporate email accounts.
nj1015.com
· 2025-12-08
Robert Giuliano, a New York man with a history of fraud convictions, is wanted as a fugitive for romance scams targeting women in multiple states. Previously convicted in 2014 for scamming dozens of travelers out of thousands of dollars through his fake concierge company between 2008-2012, Giuliano is now among New York State's 17 Most Wanted and is believed to be operating in New York, Miami, and Scottsdale, Arizona. He uses false credentials and social media profiles to perpetrate his schemes.