An Illinois man over 90 may lose his condominium after falling for an online romance scam that has cost him six figures, according to a friend. The friend said on the r/Scams subreddit that his bank accounts are empty, his car is gone, and the situation has been worsening for years.
Here's what to know
The scammers initially presented themselves as "Max" and later as "Alex," the poster wrote on Reddit. He said his elderly friend had been sending them money for more than four years while believing he was in a relationship.
He had already sold his car and emptied his bank accounts mostly through crypto transactions, even though the friend had warned him repeatedly. The post added that a "simple google search" and a known scam email address both pointed to the scheme.
He also believes the much younger person messaging him will move him to San Diego, arrange a penthouse condo, provide a driver/bodyguard/gofer, and help him adopt twins, according to the post. The friend said the man lives alone, has no immediate family, and is surviving on Social Security.
Without power of attorney or access to the man's accounts, the poster wrote, he was told little could be done. He said he had already contacted local police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, adult protective services, and the attorney general's office.
More background
The post also said the photo used for "Alex" was actually of a boy band member and could be found through a basic web search.
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Commenters pointed to a dynamic of emotional dependence that often makes romance scams especially hard to stop.
"Many romance scam victims are lonely, and they crave the daily attention they get from a scammer, even if they know that they're being scammed," one commenter wrote. "It's an addiction."
Commenters also warned that recovery offers can become another trap, since people claiming they can recover stolen money for a fee may simply be running a second scam.
What can be done?
Several commenters said the remaining options may be legal rather than persuasive.
One said: "Short of attempting court for incapacity, there is nothing you can do. Sorry."
Others suggested pursuing conservatorship, guardianship, or help from an elder-care attorney.
Those steps can be complicated, especially when the person at risk is not a relative and still appears able to live independently in many areas of life. Even then, commenters warned, the victim may resent anyone who intervenes.
Commenters suggested practical steps for people worried about an older friend or neighbor, like contacting adult protective services, asking about a local senior center or council on aging, and seeking legal advice about guardianship or conservatorship before assets disappear.
Another commenter summed up the broader tragedy plainly: "Thanks for trying to help him. Seniors are so vulnerable."
Where can I learn more?
Online and crypto scams can frequently wipe out the savings of older adults and people nearing retirement.
• In Massachusetts, a man lost $400,000 after an artificial intelligence-fueled romance scam centered on "Eliza."
• In North Carolina, a man nearing retirement lost $753,000 in a pig-butchering crypto scam.
• In the United Kingdom, scammers used a cryptocurrency ad to drain a woman in her 70s.
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