How One 80-Year-Old Widow Lost $150K to Facebook® Scam

In Knoxville, Tennessee, an 80-year-old widow named Sharon recently fell victim to a romance scam that cost her nearly $150,000 over six months. Like many romance scams targeting vulnerable adults, her ordeal began innocently on Facebook^® during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, where a man named David J. Armstrong initiated contact, claiming he was a widowed oil rig worker off the coast of England.

Compelling Story Draws Victim In

Armstrong crafted a believable backstory involving a deceased wife and a compassionate demeanor, soon winning Sharon’s trust. “His name is David J Armstrong. His wife was in a car accident. He had it down verbatim, the whole story,” Sharon told WATE.

Romance Scams on the Rise in Tennessee

The scam, as detailed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, is not uncommon. Every year, millions of dollars are lost in Tennessee alone to similar hoaxes, particularly those involving older adults. Sharon, who found solace in reading after 27 years as a widow, was lured by Armstrong’s romantic messages and false promises. His messages, filled with tender sentiments, were delivered daily, with the con artist occasionally sending her symbolic gifts, like a single rose.

As reported by Fox4, Sharon recalled, “He would email me, or text me, a nice long love letter every night: ‘Are you in bed darling? I hope you are comfortable. Did you sleep well?’ He sent me a rose once.”

Building a foundation of trust, Armstrong eventually claimed financial troubles on his offshore oil rig and requested money from Sharon under the pretense they could soon be together.

Banks and Tennessee’s PAUSE Law

The romance scam has garnered increased attention since Tennessee’s enactment of the PAUSE Law in 2017, giving financial institutions authority to delay or refuse transactions they suspect may exploit vulnerable adults. While Sharon’s primary bank exercised this power, warning her of the potential scam, Sharon managed to withdraw funds at other banks. According to Aaron Bradley, Director of the East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging, many financial institutions fail to utilize the PAUSE Law as often as needed, which could prevent significant losses if implemented more widely.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that similar scams typically involve a fabricated identity, often as a soldier or oil rig worker, accompanied by a tragic story and urgent financial requests. The scammers rely on the emotional vulnerability of their victims, often targeting widows and the elderly.

Victim’s Warning to Others

Sharon’s experience serves as a stark warning to others: “No matter what you think … don’t do it, because you will lose every dime you send,” she advises, according to WATE. Bradley also reiterated, “We all could fall prey to this. These con artists are professionals,” as reported by WATE - underscoring the need for caution and vigilance.

References: 80-year-old Knoxville widow lost nearly $150,000 to romance scam | Tennessee widow, 80, says she lost nearly $150K to romance scam