$12,000 gone—to someone I'd never even met

In my 40s, divorced and lonely, I went back to dating apps.

This match listened for hours; it felt different from the usual small talk.

I was not looking for a handout—just someone who seemed to care.

He said he worked overseas; after a few weeks he mentioned investments and offered to help me grow savings “for our future.”

I started with an amount I told myself I could afford to lose; the dashboard showed gains.

Withdrawals stalled behind taxes, fees, and unlock deposits; each excuse came with pressure to add more for a “golden opportunity.”

Video calls failed or were “about to travel.”

In the end I had sent over twelve thousand dollars to someone I never met.

I told myself the connection was real because he remembered details of my days; questioning withdrawals felt like distrust, so I stayed quiet longer than I should have.

His profile and number disappeared; the platform went offline.

Searching the company name surfaced warnings and victim forums that matched my thread exactly.

Twelve thousand was money I could not spare; shame kept me from telling family for months, and my confidence in online relationships is still cautious.

Anyone I have not met who routes money through a single platform is a risk, not a partner.

I should have checked the firm with my bank or regulator before the first dollar.

• Never invest through someone you only know online; romance plus fees to withdraw is a classic pattern.
• Report to the FTC and local police; you are not alone.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.