Port Richey man loses 47K in online romance scam 'I felt I was going to lose everything'
David Cruz, a 70-year-old resident of Pasco County, lost $47,000 in a romance scam after befriending "Bonnie Fleck" on Facebook. Their online interactions progressed to phone calls and AI-generated video chats, leading Cruz to believe she required money for work-related paperwork in Australia. Trusting her, he withdrew funds from his emergency home equity loan, sending her a total of $47,000, including Bitcoin transfers. Upon escalating requests for money, Cruz contacted the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, which traced the scam to Nigeria. He lamented the emotional toll, stating he felt a loss of self-worth for not realizing the scam sooner.
Law enforcement warns that romance scams are increasingly targeting older adults, often resulting in devastating financial losses. Cruz's experience serves as a cautionary tale, urging others to trust their instincts when something feels wrong. Authorities suggest victims report scams to the FTC or IC3 and avoid sending money to individuals they have not met in person.