The Case at a Glance
A 70-year-old grandmother from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, fell victim to a sophisticated online romance scam after a stranger claimed to be the Hollywood actor Jason Momoa. The scammer built trust over weeks, painting a picture of a life together and a dream home in Hawaii, before pressing for money to advance alleged film projects. In a shocking sequence, the grandmother sold her home and transferred about Rs 6 crore to the scammer. Only when promises failed to materialize did she realise she was the target of a fraud and reported it to local police. Cambridge Police have launched a formal investigation and are tracing communications, financial transfers, and online footprints to identify the perpetrator.
The Manipulation Behind the Mask
Experts say romance scams rely on emotional manipulation. The impersonator allegedly showered the victim with affection, cast herself as a potential life partner, and introduced aspirational plans—like living in Hawaii—that required upfront investment. The attacker urged secrecy, insisting that delays would jeopardize the relationship. With each transfer, the scammer offered excuses and reassurances, fostering a sense of urgency that pushed the victim to act quickly rather than verify the person’s identity through independent channels.
Financial Toll and Family Impact
By the time the ruse unraveled, the elderly woman had liquidated assets and sent roughly Rs 6 crore to the suspect. The financial loss threatens her retirement security and can have lasting effects on family dynamics. In many such cases, recovering funds is difficult once transfers are completed, underscoring the importance of immediate reporting and rapid coordination with banks and authorities.
Police Response and Next Steps
The Cambridgeshire Police confirmed a formal investigation into the online romance scam is underway. Investigators are examining chat histories, payment records, and digital footprints to locate the suspect behind the messages and to trace any recoverable funds. Authorities advise anyone who suspects they are being targeted—or who has already sent money—to contact police promptly, preserve all communications, and notify their bank or payment provider to explore potential reversals or protections.
Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself
- Rapid declarations of love after minimal contact
- Requests for secrecy and avoidance of in-person meetings
- Pressure to transfer money for fabricated emergencies or ventures
- Promises of wealth tied to dubious investments or film projects
- Celebrity impersonation or references to famous people to gain trust
Additional Precautions
Verification is key. Always confirm a person’s identity through independent channels, involve trusted family or advisers, and never send money based on online romance alone. Elderly individuals are especially vulnerable; community awareness and proactive discussions about online safety can help deter similar scams in the future.
What Victims and Families Can Do
In the wake of such cases, victims should report fraud to the police and their financial institutions immediately, retain all evidence, and notify banks to halt further transfers where possible. Families should stay engaged with older relatives about online interactions, review security settings on devices, and discuss safe dating practices online. Community programs and outreach can strengthen collective vigilance, reducing the likelihood that others fall prey to manipulative schemes.
