Title: Daughter of Woman Scammed of $1.5 Million Speaks Out Against Romance Scams
Subheading: Warning Signs of Online Romance Scams
The daughter of a widowed woman who was found dead under what she claims are mysterious circumstances says her mother gave her entire life savings of $1.5 million to the grifter. Now, she’s speaking out to warn of the dangers of romance scams.
Subheading: Vulnerability of Victims in Online Dating Scams
Laura Kowal, 57, joined Match.com and fell in love with a man named Frank, her daughter, Kelly Gowe, told CBS News. Gowe says her mother ended up wiring a scammer her entire life savings of $1.5 million. The 57-year-old thought she was in love with a Swedish businessman, but the profile picture the scammer used was stolen. The man in the picture had nothing to do with the scam.
Subheading: Escalation of Online Dating Scams
CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod tells Inside Edition the online dating scam is taking on a new sinister turn. Victims could be manipulated into becoming a part of the scam, with scammers using leverage to extort more money. Axelrod says Kowal became what federal investigators call a money mule.
Subheading: Tragic End to the Scam
Two days later, investigators found Kowal’s body 250 miles away in the Mississippi River. Her death was ruled a drowning. Gowe is now on a mission to retrace her mother’s final steps, wondering whether foul play was involved.
Subheading: Fight Against Online Dating Scams
Match Group, one of the largest online dating companies, says they spend $125 million annually protecting customers from potential scammers, taking down 44 phony profiles per minute. They have implemented various measures to warn users of potential scams and offer tips to identify suspicious behavior online.
Subheading: Conclusion
The upcoming CBS investigation into romance scams sheds light on the prevalence of online dating scams and the importance of vigilance while engaging in online relationships. It serves as a reminder that staying informed and cautious can help protect individuals from falling victim to malicious schemes.