I was the victim of a romance scam that lasted almost 6 months. From June 28th until December 2nd, 2022. I met the guy on eharmony and we quickly hit it off. Over the course of the relationship, I made several transactions through the Bitstop ATM near my home sending him approximately $12,300 and placing a tremendous financial burden on me. I was manipulated into "helping" this person that had captured my heart. He told me that he needed to pay to come to the States from Afghanistan.

My feelings were so strong for him that I wanted to do anything to help him get out of a dangerous situation. I did question things but the responses I was given always seemed reasonable. I took a loan from my 403b at work that I am stuck paying out of every paycheck until July. I took out a title loan on the car I owned free and clear and lost my car when I couldn't make the payments. I got a payday loan that I have now defaulted on. I took a loan from my grandparents that I am still trying to pay back. I went 2 months without a car before I finally gave in to get a new one (used) that has an enormous payment I can't afford and am defaulting on that as well if I can't get some help soon anyway.

My rent is behind and I'm facing eviction. And my heart is crushed. I am trying to get local law enforcement to write the report correctly as a fraud because they wrote it for intimidation which doesn't help me trying to recoup funds with my identity theft protection, etc. I'm embarrassed on top of all of it.

I also believe that this has led to multiple hacks to several of my online accounts. Including but not limited to: Facebook, Venmo, Grubhub, Best Buy, Google, Instacart, Netflix, and Zelle. I have done everything I can to change passwords and remove any cards on my online accounts. It seemed for a while it was something new everyday.

Dollars Lost

$12,300