Romance-Scam
Critical
The Romance Scam: How a Widow Lost $420,000 to a Man She'd Never Met
Patricia’s Story
Patricia, 72, from Texas, lost her husband of 48 years in 2023. She was lonely. Her daughter suggested she try online dating.
In April 2024, a man named “James Wilson” sent her a message on a popular dating site. He was charming, thoughtful, and seemed perfect.
Within weeks, they were talking every day. Patricia had found a best friend - maybe more.
The Relationship
James said he was an engineer working on an oil rig in Nigeria. He couldn’t video call because of “satellite internet limitations.” He couldn’t visit because his contract was “binding.”