Greg's Corner

Romance scam victim accused of embezzling $3.75M

By Greg Collier

While we often believe ourselves to be savvy navigators in the online world, the truth is that anyone can become entangled in the intricate web of a romance scam. The illusion of connection, coupled with the emotional vulnerability inherent in seeking love, renders even the most cautious individuals susceptible to deception. In this age of interconnectedness, the line between genuine affection and calculated deceit has blurred, leading unsuspecting hearts down a perilous path. Individuals from all walks of life can unwittingly fall victim to the allure of a virtual romance, sometimes at the cost of their own well-being.

For example, a woman from Minnesota was recently charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing millions from her employer, so she could send the money to a scammer she thought was her romantic partner. The scammer told her he was in Dubai and was owed $7 million for work he did there. Romance scammers often pose as businessmen who work overseas so they can have a convenient reason for not meeting their supposed romantic partners in person. The scammer claimed he needed to borrow money in order to access the money he said he was owed.

From here, the woman is suspected of embezzling money from the company she worked for. Her duties within the company were working remotely handling the company’s payroll, accounts payable, and general bookkeeping, meaning she had access to the company’s money.

Eventually, the company noticed irregularities in their books and hired an outside financial investigator. The woman was fired for allegedly embezzling $3.75 million from the company. When she was interviewed by state investigators, she allegedly told them she had permission to borrow the money from the company.

It has become increasingly evident that vulnerability knows no boundaries. Regardless of educational background or socioeconomic status, the human desire for connection and companionship remains a universal force. Romance scams, with their sophisticated tactics and emotional manipulation, can ensnare individuals across the spectrum of society. The misconception that only the gullible or uninformed are susceptible is debunked as we recognize that these scams prey on fundamental human emotions, transcending educational achievements or financial standing.

The red flags of a romance scam should never be ignored. If the person you’re communicating with constantly gives excuses for not meeting face to face, they’re hiding something, which typically is the fact they’re not who they say they are. Requests for money before ever meeting face to face are also a dead giveaway of a romance scam. Keep in mind that scammers will foster relationships with their victims for months while showering them with affection before asking for money. If you feel like you may be talking to a scammer, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone close to you to get their opinion.