• What is a Romance Scam?: A romance scam is when someone creates a fake online profile, builds a relationship with you, and then asks for money or gifts .
• Warning Signs: Be cautious if someone won’t meet up with you in person, makes plans but always cancels, has unnatural or overly flattering photos, or if their story doesn’t add up .
• Common Tactics: Scammers often claim to be working abroad, in the military, or have a complex sob story to gain sympathy .
• Red Flags: If someone declares love too quickly, asks for money or gifts, or uses poor grammar and spelling despite claiming to be educated .
• Protect Yourself: Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person, and consider using paid dating services that have better security measures .
• Reporting Scams: If you suspect a romance scam, stop communicating with the person, report them to the platform or site where you met, and contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) .
Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, the newly elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria, has been arrested in Texas, US, for his alleged involvement in a multi-million-dollar romance fraud scheme. The 40-year-old Nigerian national faces 14 counts of wire fraud, accused of defrauding victims of over $3.3 million.
Nwadialo’s scheme allegedly involved posing as a US military officer deployed overseas, using online dating platforms like Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café to target victims. He used various aliases, including ‘Giovanni’, and fabricated stories to convince victims to send him money, claiming military fines, family emergencies, and failed investments . One victim was reportedly defrauded of $2.4 million.
US Attorney Tessa M. Gorman praised investigators for their persistence, noting that romance scam defendants are often difficult to apprehend due to their overseas location. Nwadialo’s arrest highlights growing concerns over international fraud schemes targeting vulnerable individuals online.
Romance Scam Warning Signs:
• Unsolicited messages or friend requests on social media or dating platforms
• Fake profiles or stolen identities
• Emotional manipulation or urgency to send money
• Unverifiable or suspicious stories
If convicted, Nwadialo faces up to 20 years in prison per count. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Sok Jiang .
