We’ve all seen the headlines: romance scams are surging and the losses can be staggering. But behind every statistic is a real person whose trust was exploited and whose life was changed.

In this issue, we’re handing the page to a victim. Kate shares, in her own words, the emotional and financial toll of a romance scam and the hard-earned lessons she wishes she’d known sooner.

These scams can happen to anyone, no matter how smart, experienced or careful we believe we are. If you worry that you or someone you care about might be caught in a similar situation, her story may offer clarity and encouragement to seek help.

KATE’S STORY

A criminal stole $40,000 from Kate through a romance scam. The impact was financially and emotionally devastating.

“By the time I realized it, all of this was not true and I had been duped, I felt stupid. I was embarrassed. I didn’t want to tell people that I had fallen for someone who took such advantage of me.

I felt so betrayed because I believed him. He knew the right buttons to push. He knew the right things to say to me. 

He said some beautifully romantic things. ‘Good morning.’ ‘Hey honey!’ ‘I wish I opened my eyes and saw your face but it didn’t happen today. Hope to be together soon.’ That’s something I haven’t heard in many, many years.

I don’t ask people for help because I guess I’m still embarrassed about it. I’ve always been embarrassed to ask for help, like I should be able to stand on my own two feet and take care of myself. But it’s just not easy to do at this age.

There’s just one more thing that I would like to say about all of this: We need to get someone like me who’s been through this out speaking to older folks, going to senior centers or speaking to groups and explaining how this happened. Let them know they’re not alone, and that they’re not stupid for falling for something like this. Education must get out there that this can happen easily, even to people who are educated and well-versed in the ways of the world.

We need to change the attitudes about this, and it needs to be made more public. If someone asked me prior to this if I would fall for a scam, I would say, ‘Absolutely not. Not me.’”

Kate is sharing her story to help protect others and to help people understand the impact of fraud.

Fraud is a crime. It is not the victim’s fault. 

RED FLAGS OF ROMANCE SCAMS

1. They push to build a relationship fast.

2. They claim to work in construction or another job that keeps them overseas. (That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person—and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.)

3. They talk about marriage or meeting in person, but it never happens.

4. Sooner or later, they ask for money. 

5. They ask for your bank account information to “deposit money.” Your account may be used to move stolen funds or commit fraud.

HOW TO PROTECT
YOURSELF

• Scammers are on most dating apps and social media sites. Be careful what you share publicly. Details can be used to target you.

• Run reverse online searches of the person’s photo and profile details to see if they appear elsewhere.

• Be wary if someone seems too perfect or quickly asks you to move off the platform to text, email or chat privately.

• Be wary if someone tries to isolate you from friends and family or asks for intimate photos or financial information that could be used to extort you.

• Be wary if they promise to meet, then always have an excuse. If you have not met in person after a few months, you have reason to be suspicious.

• Never send money to someone you have only communicated with online or by phone.  

Report scams to local authorities
If you are targeted or fall victim to a scam, contact the Grand Junction Police Department at 970-549-5057, Montrose Police at 970-249-9110 or Delta Police at 970-874-7676