DATING ROMANCE SCAMS IN HAWAI'I i

Online Dating and Romance Scams: Protect Your Heart and Finances

Navigating online dating on platforms like Plenty of Fish, OurTime, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Christian Singles, eHarmony, OkCupid, Badoo, or Match.com can be exciting, but it also comes with risks. Scammers often target people seeking meaningful connections, preying on emotions and finances. Have you ever received a message from someone who seemed genuinely interested, only to later be asked for money or personal details? It could be a romance scam in the making.

Unmasking Romance Scams in Hawaii

Hawaii isn’t immune to the growing problem of romance scams, with victims experiencing both financial and emotional damage. Scammers frequently use platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, sending fraudulent IDs, driver’s licenses, or even passports to seem credible. These scammers exploit their victims’ trust, often resulting in losses of tens of thousands of dollars.

How 808 Investigations Can Assist You

At 808 Investigations, we specialize in uncovering the truth behind online identities. Whether you’ve met someone online and are unsure of their intentions, or suspect that you’ve fallen victim to a scam, we’re here to help. Our services include:

• Verifying the authenticity of online profiles
• Investigating suspicious requests for money or personal information
• Helping victims sever ties with scammers to prevent further harm
• Collaborating with law enforcement to pursue justice

Real-Life Success Stories in Hawaii

We’ve successfully uncovered scams where fraudsters posed as successful professionals—doctors, business executives, and others—only to exploit their victims financially. In one case, a victim learned that their “match” was part of a global fraud network. In another, we discovered a scammer targeting multiple victims across the islands at the same time.

Protect Your Heart and Wallet

If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts. Scammers often use the personal information you share in conversations to manipulate you over time. Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out to us for professional help. 808 Investigations is dedicated to helping you protect your finances and emotional well-being.

Take Action Now

Your safety is our priority. Contact 808 Investigations today to discuss how we can help you navigate the complexities of online dating and protect yourself from scammers.

Case Study: How We Helped a Victim of a Romance Scam

The Situation

Note: The names and details in this case study have been changed, but the scenario is based on real events

Lisa, a 48-year-old professional from Honolulu, came to 808 Investigations after becoming suspicious of her online boyfriend, "James." They’d been talking for six months after meeting on a popular dating app. James claimed to be an engineer working overseas and sent Lisa flowers for her birthday and shared photos of his daily life. But things started to fall apart when he requested a large sum of money to “help with business expenses.”

Lisa sent $7,000, but soon after, James asked for more. He claimed he couldn’t fly to meet her because of an issue with his bank. Lisa grew suspicious and contacted 808 Investigations for assistance.

How 808 Investigations Helped

1. Identity Verification: We analyzed James's profile, photos, and supposed location. Through advanced tools, we discovered the photos were stolen from a legitimate engineer’s public social media accounts, and the real person had no connection to the scam.
2. Financial Fraud Investigation: We traced the bank account where Lisa sent money and discovered it was linked to multiple romance scams. The account was part of an international fraud network.
3. Investigating Online Activity: Our team found several profiles using the same photos and slightly altered names, suggesting James was targeting multiple victims.
4. Emotional Support: Lisa felt embarrassed but we reassured her that scams like this happen to many intelligent people. We connected her with resources to help recover emotionally and financially.
5. Preventing Further Losses: We advised Lisa to sever all communication with James and worked with her bank to report the fraud, blocking any further transactions.

Outcome

Thanks to our timely intervention, Lisa avoided further financial losses. She filed a report with local law enforcement and learned how to stay safe online, recognizing red flags in future relationships.

How We Can Help You

If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, 808 Investigations can provide the support you need. We specialize in uncovering scams, assisting victims with recovering losses, and helping to protect against further harm. Don't let embarrassment or fear keep you from reaching out—we’re here to uncover the truth.

Why Victims Hesitate to Report Romance Scams

Many victims feel embarrassed or fearful of the consequences, which is why they often hesitate to report these crimes. Common reasons include:

1. Embarrassment: Victims may feel ashamed for being deceived, fearing judgment from friends, family, or colleagues.
2. Fear of Retaliation: Scammers often blackmail victims by threatening to expose compromising photos or messages to loved ones or business contacts.
3. Emotional Manipulation: Victims may still believe in the scammer’s promises of love and companionship, making it hard to accept they’ve been deceived.
4. Financial Concerns: Victims may feel embarrassed about the extent of their financial losses and worry about the legal or financial consequences of reporting.
5. Trust Issues: Many victims fear that law enforcement or others won’t take their situation seriously, or that nothing can be done to recover their losses.

Case Study: A 70-Year-Old Professional Victim of Long-Term Blackmail

The Situation

Note: The names and details in this case study have been changed, but the scenario is based on real events.

John, a 70-year-old retired businessman, had been sending money to "Leila," a woman he believed was his long-distance girlfriend living in Hawaii. Over the course of five years, he sent nearly $200,000, believing she was in a genuine relationship with him. However, when John pushed for a meeting, Leila threatened to expose their affair to his wife, children, and colleagues unless he continued sending money.

How 808 Investigations Helped

1. Identity Verification: We uncovered Leila's true identity, revealing she had been scamming other men using similar tactics. We found that she had been targeting older men for years.
2. Documenting Evidence: We gathered records of her communications and linked financial transactions, strengthening the case against her.
3. Mitigating Blackmail Risks: We helped John secure his private information, reducing the chances of Leila following through on her threats.
4. Law Enforcement Collaboration: We assisted John in filing a report with local authorities, contributing to an ongoing investigation into Leila’s activities.
5. Emotional Support: We provided John with emotional support and helped him confide in his wife, who stood by him through the ordeal.

Outcome

With our intervention, John was able to stop sending money and minimize further losses. Leila’s threats ceased, and John regained control of his life and finances.

How We Can Help You

If you're facing a similar situation, don’t let fear or shame prevent you from reaching out. At 808 Investigations, we specialize in uncovering online fraud, blackmail, and romance scams. Contact us today to get the support you need to reclaim your life.

Protect Yourself from Romance Scams

Key Tips to Stay Safe:

• Never share personal information with someone you haven’t met in person.
• Avoid sending money or sharing sensitive photos.
• Conduct research to verify the identity of anyone you meet online.

Take Action Today

If you suspect you're being targeted by a romance scam, or if you've already been a victim, 808 Investigations is here to help. We’ll help you verify online relationships, investigate fraud, and provide the support you need to stay safe.

Contact 808 Investigations Today!

We’re here to empower you with the tools and knowledge to protect yourself from scams, investigate fraud, and take action when needed. Together, we can safeguard your heart and finances.