A recent complaint highlights a disturbing romance scam that has left a victim from Virginia, USA, $31,000 poorer. The scam began innocently enough on Facebook, where the victim was lured into a supposed romantic relationship with the scammer. Over time, the scammer gained the victim’s trust and persuaded them to invest in Bitcoin through an unknown website.

The scammer guided the victim step-by-step in setting up an account and transferring funds. However, when the victim realized they had been scammed and tried to withdraw their money, they were met with a shocking demand: to recover their funds, they needed to deposit an additional $7,000. The victim, understandably wary, refused to pay this amount and asked if the fee could be deducted from the existing balance. The scammer denied this request, insisting that the deposit was necessary.

As the scam progressed, the scammer continued to manipulate the victim emotionally, even claiming they were in a relationship the victim had supposedly agreed to. This emotional manipulation extended to pressuring the victim into purchasing gift cards at the scammer’s insistence.

The scammer, believed to be operating out of Florida, communicated with the victim using the phone number 1(706) 593-8442. The exact email address used remains unknown, further complicating efforts to trace the scammer.

This case is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking on social media platforms like Facebook, where scammers prey on vulnerable individuals seeking genuine connections. It underscores the importance of vigilance and skepticism, particularly involving financial transactions. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a similar scam, it is crucial to report it immediately and seek assistance recovering any lost funds.