ORLANDO, Fla. – Last year Floridians lost tens of millions of dollars to romance scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
It happens more than you might think.
A local woman, Carol West, shares her painful story with News 6, of losing $60,000 in six weeks.
“It was like pen pals. We were just talking innocently,” West said.
On Facebook, West thought she was talking to a decorated army officer, a commanding four star general, who claimed to be deployed in South Korea.
“He sent me pictures of him in his uniform, and sent me a picture of his dog tags, his driver’s license, his passport,” West said.
The messages became more intimate, came multiple times a day, even early morning prayers.
“Lord, I ask you to place your healing hand upon her,” West read one of the messages.
“It’s exciting,” she said. “I would sit up and wait for him to text me.”
But the texts took a turn.
He had a box full of precious army metals but having them securely shipped back to the U.S would cost $7,500, he said.
West agreed to send it. He wanted it sent via gift and gaming cards.
“I mentioned that I didn’t understand why the game cards are supposedly only valid for games in the U.S. and asked for an explanation. He never really clarified it for me,” she explained.
She bought the cards, lots of them.
But the items supposedly got stuck in customs in Mexico and the Mexican government needed $30,000 cash, he said.
“Regrettably, I ended up cashing in my only CD and sending the money to an address in North Carolina, which puzzled me since it was supposed to go to Mexico,” West recounted.
West took pictures of the cash before she mailed it.
Over six weeks she sent more than $60,000.
It was only when her bank accounts were emptied did, she realize it was a scam.
“I was sick. I was sick to my stomach. How could I fall for this?” she said.
West is by no means alone.
The Federal Trade Commission reported that last year in Florida, there were nearly 3,400 cases of romance scams, resulting in approximately $93 million in losses for Floridians.
Caroline O’brien Buster is the Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service Orlando Field Office.
“You have to be extremely cautious, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable,” she advised. “These scammers comb through obituaries and Facebook posts, knowing exactly what to say to manipulate you.”
To protect yourself, she says never send money to someone you’ve only met online.
If they ask once they’ll definitely ask again, she said.
Be skeptical of excuses for not meeting in person or talking on the phone. And always talk to family or friends about new online relationships.
If something feels off, trust your instincts and report it to authorities immediately.
Having lost her husband, West admits she was vulnerable.
“I was a pigeon waiting to be shot, and I did get shot.”
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office says there could be an arrest in West’s case soon – so, stay tuned.
Remember don’t fall for the scheme, don’t get ripped off, but if you do, email me at LBolden@wkmg.com.
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