New York
Man sentenced for online romance scam that took $356,500 from Western New York victims
A Georgia man was sentenced to 33 months in prison for a scheme that took $356,500 from four Western New York victims, including a 77-year-old woman who was persuaded to send gift cards and checks to a fake online suitor.
Key facts
- 13WHAM reported on October 8 that U.S.
- Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced a Georgia man was sentenced to 33 months in prison for a scheme that stole $356,500 from four people in Western New York between 2023 and March 2025.
- He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
What happened
13WHAM reported on October 8 that U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced a Georgia man was sentenced to 33 months in prison for a scheme that stole $356,500 from four people in Western New York between 2023 and March 2025. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the scammer posed on Facebook as a widower living in Norway and built an online romance with a 77-year-old woman over about a year and a half. She sent about 30 $500 gift cards and later mailed checks totaling more than $162,000. When he claimed he was held by customs and needed $158,000, her bank detected fraud and stopped the checks.
What it means for families
Romance scams often run for months and start with small asks like gift cards. Banks can catch some fraud, but families talking openly with older relatives about online friends is the best protection.
For example: if a parent mentions a new online friend overseas who needs money or gift cards, that is a warning sign. Ask gently, and offer to look at the messages together.
Quick answers
How much did the romance scam take from Western New York victims?
13WHAM reported on October 8 that U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced a Georgia man was sentenced to 33 months in prison for a scheme that stole $356,500 from four people in Western New York between 2023 and March 2025. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
What to do this week
- Talk with older relatives about online scams, especially requests for gift cards or checks.
- Ask the bank about alerts for large or unusual checks on a parent's account, with their permission.
- Report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and to local police.
Sources
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