A Scots mum has told how she suffered a heart attack after losing £17,000 in a romance scam.
The victim revealed how her life had been left “in ruins” as experts issued a warning about online fraudsters ahead of Valentine’s Day.
The 57-year-old, from Glasgow, had recently suffered a family bereavement when she was targeted by a man claiming to be an American businessman on a dating website for women early last year.
Alison – not her real name – said the stress of losing money to the scammer left her in hospital.
She said: “I feel so stupid but I was just trying to do the right thing and be a good person by helping someone out.
“I am not doing well mentally because of all this. It has taken a real toll on me.
“I was in hospital recently with a suspected heart attack. It is a nightmare.
“I have informed the bank and the police, but I feel as if my life is in ruins and I am just left in limbo.”
Alison spoke out as leading charity Advice Direct Scotland urged people to remain vigilant as fraudsters are now using female-focused dating apps to exploit and deceive women.
The charity has published guidance to help people spot and avoid scammers.
Alison told how her scammer built up her trust over several months, speaking frequently and having video calls that appeared to confirm his identity before she agreed to send him £17,000.
Last May, the man told her he was travelling to Northern Ireland and suggested they meet.
In August, he claimed his bank account had crashed and asked her for £17,000 to buy machinery for a job.
The mum initially refused but later transferred the money after he sent his bank and passport details.
He then requested a further £7,000, claiming he was being held by customs and his passport had been taken.
She said: “The app is designed so that women can make the first move and after I ticked that I liked him, he messaged me.
“He was American but said that he would be working in Northern Ireland and he wanted to come to Scotland to meet me.
“He kept begging and showed me what looked like legitimate bank details and a passport, so I sent the money.
“He sent flight times and said he would sort his banking issues and then come to meet me.
“But then he contacted me again, saying he was being held by customs who had taken his passport. He asked for another £7,000 to give customs officials for his release.
“I said no, and he sent a voicemail saying he was being beaten and urgently needed the money to be released.”
Alison reported the scam to the police and her bank and has been receiving support from Advice Direct Scotland after borrowing money from friends.
Despite reaching out for help, the man has continued contacting Alison to demand more money.
She said: “He has still been contacting me in the last few days. Now I don’t respond and just screenshot the messages.”
Advice Direct Scotland is urging people to be extra cautious when speaking to potential partners online, and to seek help immediately if they suspect foul play.
Hazel Knowles, senior project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Romance scams are a persistent issue throughout the year, but it is important to be particularly vigilant around Valentine’s Day, which can be exploited by scammers who prey on people seeking romantic connections.
“It is important to stay vigilant and approach online interactions with caution.
“You should never share personal or financial information with someone you’ve only met virtually, and if you have any doubts about a person’s authenticity, carrying out thorough background checks is advisable.
“These scams can cause significant emotional and financial distress, leaving people feeling deceived and isolated.
“But it’s important to remember there is no shame in being scammed, and anyone who is worried or needs help can contact our specialist advisers for free, impartial, and practical advice.”
Free, impartial advice is available via consumeradvice.scot by calling 0808 164 6000 or using web chat and email at www.consumeradvice.scot.
Suspected scams can also be reported through the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool at www.scamwatch.scot.
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