Nottingham Pensioner Loses £170k in Heartbreaking Crypto Romance Scam
A woman in her 70s from Rushcliffe was conned out of a staggering £170,000 in a cruel crypto romance scam. The scammer, pretending to be a US Army surgeon, hoodwinked her over 18 months before police stepped in.
£110k Recovered After Fraud Protect Team Steps Up
Thanks to Nottinghamshire Police’s Fraud Protect team and the financial ombudsman, the pensioner was refunded £110,000. The scam, linked to organised crime gangs in Nigeria, left her £60,000 poorer and emotionally shattered after months of anxiety.
Warning Signs Ignored Until It Was Almost Too Late
The victim first connected with the fake army doctor online in May 2020. Despite mounting transactions totaling £170,000, it took a direct intervention from fraud officers to convince her it was a sham.
Dale Richardson, Fraud Protect officer: “Romance fraud is a brutal crime that preys on vulnerable people. This man made up countless lies to exploit her trust over a year and a half, draining £170,000 from her.
“I’m glad we helped her reclaim £110,000, but no one should endure this pain. On Valentine’s Day, we urge everyone to be extra vigilant when chatting online.
“If you suspect something’s wrong, don’t be embarrassed. Contact the police – we’re here to support you.”
Top Tips to Avoid Falling for Online Romance Scams
- Ignore friend requests from strangers on social media like Facebook.
- Keep personal info private – never reveal your full name, date of birth, or address online.
- Never send money or share banking details with someone you only know online. Report suspicious requests immediately.
- Stick to reputable dating sites and keep communication on their platforms to avoid losing evidence.
Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry: “Fraudsters target the most vulnerable and cause real harm. Stay alert to the signs and protect yourselves and your loved ones both online and offline.”
