NJ resident lost $25K to ‘fiancé’ they never met

💘 A Franklin Township resident sent funds to their “fiancé” they had never met

💘 The resident became suspicious when a "kidnapper" demanded ransom

💘 The funds are difficult to recover

FRANKLIN (Somerset) — Online love can mean that as the heart grows fonder your bank account becomes lighter.

A township resident contacted police to report they had lost $25,000 to their “fiancé” who claimed to be working as a welder in Turkey via wire transfers and gift cards. The funds were sent for two years to an individual they had never met in person, according to police Sgt. Sean Flanagan

According to the victim, the fiance repeatedly asked for financial assistance. The victim finally became suspicious after receiving a phone call from a "kidnapper" demanding a ransom payment.

Scammers not in the U.S.

It's extremely difficult to recover any money after it's been sent through wire transfers and gift cards, according to Flanagan.

"For the vast majority of these frauds, after we begin investigating, we learn that the scammers are not located in the United States. Businesses (phone companies, internet service providers, etc.) that are located in foreign countries typically do not honor subpoenas that we serve them with, often bringing these types of investigations to a dead end," Flanagan told New Jersey 101.5.

The scam fits the FBI's classic description of a romance scam, which includes saying they work in the building and construction industry on a project outside the U.S.

"The scammer’s intention is to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear himself to the victim, and gain trust. Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money," according to the FBI.

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