€45,000 Recovered from Online Dating Fraud
The Challenge
Our client, a French professional, met someone on a popular dating website who claimed to be a successful businessperson working abroad. Over several months, the scammer built an emotional connection, sharing personal stories and future plans together.
The fraudster eventually claimed to be in a financial emergency and needed urgent funds to complete a business deal. Our client transferred €45,000 in multiple payments, believing they were helping their "partner" in distress.
Our Investigation
When the client realized they had been scammed, our team immediately began a comprehensive investigation:
- Traced the scammer's digital identity across multiple dating platforms
- Identified the actual location and identity of the perpetrator
- Mapped the money trail through international banking systems
- Coordinated with law enforcement in Nigeria and Ghana
The Solution
We employed a sophisticated recovery strategy:
- Used international legal cooperation to freeze assets in West Africa
- Coordinated with European banking authorities to trace fund movements
- Leveraged diplomatic channels to pressure local authorities
- Negotiated with the scammer's family for voluntary restitution
The Result
After 6 months of intensive legal work, we successfully recovered the full €45,000 for our client. The case also led to the arrest of the scammer and dismantling of their operation.
✓ Complete Recovery Achieved
Our client received 100% of their lost funds. This case demonstrates our expertise in handling emotionally complex romance scam cases with international perpetrators.
Key Takeaways
This case highlights the importance of:
- Recognizing emotional manipulation tactics
- Seeking professional help immediately when fraud is suspected
- Understanding that romance scams often involve international networks
- Working with legal experts who understand cross-border recovery
