Home / Crime and Justice / Woman Loses $90K to Romance Scam
Woman Loses $90K to Romance Scam
16 Jul
Summary
- Victim sent over $90,000 across 237 days.
- Scammer used fake soldier persona for deception.
- Victim realized betrayal when another victim surfaced.
Jean Booth lost more than $90,000 to a romance scammer, "Donnie," over 237 days. The scam began in January 2025 after Jean's divorce. "Donnie" presented himself as a military man with a daughter, exploiting Jean's desire for connection.
Despite warnings from friends and family, Jean sent money for fabricated emergencies, including military deployment issues and family needs. The scam intensified when "Donnie" promised marriage and a shared future, including a house in Maryland.
Jean's suspicions grew when she discovered "Donnie's" photos belonged to another couple. Her suspicions were confirmed when she met another victim, Elizabeth, who had also been defrauded by "Donnie."
Even after discovering the deception, Jean struggled to break free, eventually reporting "Donnie" to the police. She later fell prey to another scammer posing as "Clin" from Nigeria, sending him $400 for business.
This story highlights the devastating impact of romance scams on victims, who often lose significant amounts of money and suffer severe emotional distress.
