This online scam completely drained her bank account—Here’s how you can avoid the same disaster
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Imagine this: You’re relaxing at home, maybe playing a friendly game online, when a charming stranger strikes up a conversation.
They seem genuine, attentive, and—before you know it—you’re swept up in a whirlwind of digital romance or a can’t-miss investment opportunity.
For Jean, a financially savvy, independent woman from the Midwest, this scenario wasn’t just a cautionary tale—it became a life-altering nightmare.
How a Simple Game Turned Into a $200,000 Scam
Jean was no stranger to the digital world. She triple-checked her passwords, watched documentaries about scams, and prided herself on her independence.
One evening, while playing Words with Friends—a popular online crossword game—she received a message from a polite, well-spoken man.
His profile painted the picture of a worldly oil executive, and his approach was anything but pushy.
He flattered Jean, remembered details about her life, and slowly built a sense of trust.
After a few days, he suggested moving their conversation to WhatsApp, citing “privacy” and “encryption.” It sounded reasonable, and Jean appreciated the idea of extra security.
But soon, the requests began. First, he needed a small loan to cover a business hiccup overseas.
Then, more complications arose: delayed wires, locked accounts, foreign taxes. Each time, Jean sent more money, convinced she was helping someone she cared about.
By the time she realized the romance was a sham, her savings were gone.
Also read: She lost $17,500 to a bitcoin ATM scam—what happened and how to stay safe
The Nightmare Gets Worse: Becoming an Unwitting “Money Mule”
Just as Jean was reeling from her losses, another online “friend” appeared—this time with a lucrative investment opportunity.
He showed her how her money could grow in a cryptocurrency account. The numbers on the screen soared, and Jean, eager to recoup her losses, invested more.
But when she tried to withdraw her “profits,” she was told she needed to pay fees and taxes.
The scammer then asked her to help convert cash into Bitcoin for his “clients,” promising to share commissions.
Unbeknownst to Jean, she was now laundering money for cybercriminals—a crime that carries severe penalties, even for those who are tricked into it.
The Secret Service eventually knocked on Jean’s door. She lost over $200,000, spent $250,000 in legal fees to avoid going behind bars, and now faces up to 29 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
Why Do These Scams Work—Even on Smart, Cautious People?
Scammers are master manipulators. They prey on our emotions—loneliness, hope, fear, and even our desire to help others. Here’s how they get in:
How to Protect Yourself (and Your Loved Ones) from Online Scams
Jean’s story is a powerful warning, but you can take steps to stay safe:
1. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
No matter how convincing their story, if you haven’t shared a meal or looked them in the eye, don’t send money or share your bank details.
2. Be wary of urgency and secrecy
If someone pressures you to act quickly or keep things secret, it’s a red flag. Scammers want you to act before you think.
3. Don’t move conversations to untraceable apps
If a new friend wants to switch from Facebook or Words with Friends to WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, be cautious. These platforms are harder for law enforcement to monitor.
4. Never agree to transfer money or convert funds for others
If someone asks you to move money, buy gift cards, or convert cash to cryptocurrency, stop immediately. You could be participating in illegal activity—even if you don’t realize it.
5. Verify!
- Do a reverse image search of profile pictures (Google “reverse image search” for instructions).
- Ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion.
- Call your bank or a professional before making any financial moves.
6. Trust your gut—but double-check with your brain
If something feels off, it probably is. But don’t rely on feelings alone—get a second opinion.
7. Report suspicious activity
If you think you’ve been targeted, contact your bank, local law enforcement, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Read next: He promised love, she lost her home: How a fake romance led to a $1.5M scam targeting seniors across state lines
Have you or someone you know been targeted by an online scam? Do you have tips for staying safe, or questions about suspicious messages you’ve received? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
They seem genuine, attentive, and—before you know it—you’re swept up in a whirlwind of digital romance or a can’t-miss investment opportunity.
For Jean, a financially savvy, independent woman from the Midwest, this scenario wasn’t just a cautionary tale—it became a life-altering nightmare.
How a Simple Game Turned Into a $200,000 Scam
Jean was no stranger to the digital world. She triple-checked her passwords, watched documentaries about scams, and prided herself on her independence.
One evening, while playing Words with Friends—a popular online crossword game—she received a message from a polite, well-spoken man.
His profile painted the picture of a worldly oil executive, and his approach was anything but pushy.
He flattered Jean, remembered details about her life, and slowly built a sense of trust.
A woman named Jean became the victim of online scams, losing over $200,000 and facing criminal charges after unknowingly taking part in a money laundering scheme. Image source: Glenn Carstens-Peters / Unsplash.
After a few days, he suggested moving their conversation to WhatsApp, citing “privacy” and “encryption.” It sounded reasonable, and Jean appreciated the idea of extra security.
But soon, the requests began. First, he needed a small loan to cover a business hiccup overseas.
Then, more complications arose: delayed wires, locked accounts, foreign taxes. Each time, Jean sent more money, convinced she was helping someone she cared about.
By the time she realized the romance was a sham, her savings were gone.
Also read: She lost $17,500 to a bitcoin ATM scam—what happened and how to stay safe
The Nightmare Gets Worse: Becoming an Unwitting “Money Mule”
Just as Jean was reeling from her losses, another online “friend” appeared—this time with a lucrative investment opportunity.
He showed her how her money could grow in a cryptocurrency account. The numbers on the screen soared, and Jean, eager to recoup her losses, invested more.
But when she tried to withdraw her “profits,” she was told she needed to pay fees and taxes.
The scammer then asked her to help convert cash into Bitcoin for his “clients,” promising to share commissions.
Jean was initially targeted through a romance scam in a popular online game and later manipulated into transferring money and converting cash to Bitcoin on behalf of cybercriminals. Image source: Priscilla Du Preez / Unsplash.
Unbeknownst to Jean, she was now laundering money for cybercriminals—a crime that carries severe penalties, even for those who are tricked into it.
The Secret Service eventually knocked on Jean’s door. She lost over $200,000, spent $250,000 in legal fees to avoid going behind bars, and now faces up to 29 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
Why Do These Scams Work—Even on Smart, Cautious People?
Scammers are master manipulators. They prey on our emotions—loneliness, hope, fear, and even our desire to help others. Here’s how they get in:
- Building Trust Slowly: They don’t rush. They listen, remember details, and make you feel special.
- Creating Urgency: “I need your help right now!” or “Don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret.” These are classic manipulation tactics.
- Moving to Private Platforms: WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are harder for authorities to trace.
- Isolation: They encourage secrecy, making you less likely to seek advice from friends or family.
- False Proof: Fake websites, doctored screenshots, and phony investment dashboards make the scam look legitimate.
Despite being cautious and aware of online scams, Jean was tricked by scammers using urgency, requests to move conversations to encrypted apps, and emotional connection. Image source: Kenny Eliason / Unsplash.
How to Protect Yourself (and Your Loved Ones) from Online Scams
Jean’s story is a powerful warning, but you can take steps to stay safe:
1. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
No matter how convincing their story, if you haven’t shared a meal or looked them in the eye, don’t send money or share your bank details.
2. Be wary of urgency and secrecy
If someone pressures you to act quickly or keep things secret, it’s a red flag. Scammers want you to act before you think.
3. Don’t move conversations to untraceable apps
If a new friend wants to switch from Facebook or Words with Friends to WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, be cautious. These platforms are harder for law enforcement to monitor.
4. Never agree to transfer money or convert funds for others
If someone asks you to move money, buy gift cards, or convert cash to cryptocurrency, stop immediately. You could be participating in illegal activity—even if you don’t realize it.
5. Verify!
- Do a reverse image search of profile pictures (Google “reverse image search” for instructions).
- Ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion.
- Call your bank or a professional before making any financial moves.
6. Trust your gut—but double-check with your brain
If something feels off, it probably is. But don’t rely on feelings alone—get a second opinion.
7. Report suspicious activity
If you think you’ve been targeted, contact your bank, local law enforcement, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Read next: He promised love, she lost her home: How a fake romance led to a $1.5M scam targeting seniors across state lines
Have you or someone you know been targeted by an online scam? Do you have tips for staying safe, or questions about suspicious messages you’ve received? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
