My Spouse isn't Real

Scams can happen to anyone at any time. More than likely, you have been a target of a scam. Probably not an individual target but been caught in the net cast by the scammer. That last “telemarketer”, that last spam email, or that text message stating the home warranty you never purchased has expired; these are all forms of scams.

Unfortunately, scams are highly lucrative. More and more people are being scammed every day. Our elderly and our young are primarily the victims. Those who have trouble spotting the scams.

While I was a police officer, I ran into an elderly female subject who stated she had been in a long-term relationship with a man she met online via social media. This man, who she only met in person 1 time and only video called her once every 4-6 weeks, was her boyfriend. She explained how he was going through hard times, and his child was sick. This elderly woman had been sending him money very months for about a year. Thousands of dollars.

She completely believed this man was her boyfriend. The unfortunate reality it, this woman was being scammed. This man probably had multiple “long distance girlfriends” who were all sending him money. He came up with an elaborate story as to why he was living far away, had limited visiting time and needed money regularly. I have even this this exact same thing occur with people claiming to be a specific movie star, who needed money, because they were between movies.

The worst part of this whole thing is there is nothing anyone can do. Many times, these elderly or young people are of sound mind and body. Able to make clear and rational decisions. Able to take care of themselves and fully function in society. The scammers take advantage of their loneliness and their lack of internet safety knowledge. And, because they are of sound mind, no one can step in and make them stop. Adult protective services, the police, and family are helpless to keep these people from sending money to these scammers.

Knowledge is the best power we have. It is our responsibility, as a society, to spread knowledge to each other. This power can and will help prevent situations like this from occurring. Protect yourself, your children, your family and your neighbor. You are your own rescuer.