As Valentine\u2019s Day approaches \u2014 a time when many people are seeking companionship or exploring new romantic relationships online \u2014 AARP Pennsylvania is urging older adults to stay alert for romance scams, including \u201ccatfishing\u201d schemes that exploit feelings of loneliness, trust and affection. Catfishing is when a scammer uses fraudulent information and images to create fake identities, then attempts to attract people through dating apps, messaging apps and social media to build emotional connections and exploit victims.<\/p>\n
The warning comes as scam survivors, including AARP Pennsylvania volunteer and advocate Kate Kleinert, share their experiences in hopes of protecting others.<\/p>\n
AARP said Kleinert accepted a stranger\u2019s Facebook friend request in 2020. What began as a simple online connection grew into daily conversations with a man who claimed to be a United Nations surgeon stationed in the Middle East. He spoke of his two children in a boarding school, shared frequent photos and sent romantic notes. Over several months, he persuaded Kleinert to buy gift cards for his \u201cchildren,\u201d send money for internet access and food, and even pay for airfare to fly to Philadelphia to see her in person on a flight that never existed.<\/p>\n
The scam escalated when Kleinert received a fake request for $20,000 in bail money after the man claimed he had been detained at an airport. In total, she lost $39,000 and endured profound emotional trauma. After reaching out to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, she found support and began rebuilding her life. Despite the scammer\u2019s ongoing attempts to contact her, she continues to speak publicly to help others avoid similar harm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was so stubborn about this that I was ignoring the signs, because I wanted it so badly,\u201d Kleinert said in a prepared statement. \u201cIt\u2019s a tough story to tell, but if it stops somebody from falling for this, then it\u2019s worth doing. My goal now is to help others recognize and not ignore the signs, so they never have to experience what I went through.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kleinert now volunteers with the AARP Pennsylvania Consumer Issues Task Force and AARP\u2019s Fraud Watch Network to educate others by sharing her story.<\/p>\n