Chicago woman loses $100,000 in romance scam

CHICAGO — Romance scams are on the rise, with estimated total losses at more than $1 billion annually.

Last year, WGN Investigates reported how one Chicago woman lost her life savings in one of these scams. She shared financial records showing where some of the money was sent.

Recently, WGN Investigates went looking for who was responsible – what we found was a complex web of companies and people across the U.S.

“I never thought of myself as that vulnerable,” said Liz, who estimates her total losses to be $100,000. “I thought, ‘Oh, I’m smarter than this.’” 

WGN is not disclosing the 79-year-old woman’s last name because she is a crime victim. But Liz shared her story in hopes it helps prevent others from falling victim.  

In her case, it started in 2023 when the recent window connected with a man on a dating app. They didn’t meet in person but communicated frequently via email, text and phone.

“I was thinking that he was legitimate,” Liz said. “He gave me a lot of background on himself, including his birthday and interests.”

Soon after, the man started asking Liz for cash, allegedly to help with a business debt he owed the Chinese government.

She sent dozens of gift cards, deposited cash into different accounts and wired thousands of dollars to a half-dozen businesses.

She stopped when it became clear she would never see the money again.

WGN Investigates tried to track down the man who scammed Liz but didn’t find him.

However, it was discover the picture he sent Liz was actually Australian businessman who had nothing to do with the scam.

Over several months, Liz wired money to companies in Missouri, Indiana, Colorado, Florida and Chicago. Attempts to reach those companies proved challenging.

The firm in Chicago, for example, traced back to a mail center on Michigan Avenue.

WGN Investigates spoke with the owner of the Florida company to ask about the $10,000 payment Liz made. She denied receiving Liz’s money and said she was the victim of a scam herself, and that she had been contacted by federal authorities. 

WGN could not independently confirm that information but were told the FBI looked into Liz’s case and are hoping more people who may have been scammed come forward with information.