Johnston County Woman Scammed $1 Million In Fake Romance

CLEVELAND COMMUNITY – A western Johnston County resident was manipulated into sending a scammer over $1 million.

The 82 year-old woman fell for the romance scam after being showered with attention and affection by a stranger she met over the internet.

The imposter avoided in-person meetings but managed to convince the caring senior citizen into sending him money and gift cards totaling around $1 million in just over a year.

When the victim expressed concern to the fraudster, he encouraged her to contact a lawyer, who was his friend he said, to get advice.

Still trusting the individual, she contacted his lawyer-friend who ask for a $6,000 retainer fee. She sent the $6,000 but it wasn’t to an attorney, it was another scammer.

The stolen money could not be recovered.