They say love is blind—but it definitely shouldn't come with wire transfers and fake lottery wins.
In this publication, we're uncovering a scam that has been making waves and could potentially affect you or someone you know. Let’s dive right in.
An 85-year-old Arizona woman was tricked into believing she had found love and fortune—only to lose nearly $400,000 to an international scammer now facing extradition to the U.S.
It’s a rare win for law enforcement: Sherwayne Benjamin Bellinfantie, a Jamaican national, has been extradited to Arizona to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering after years of allegedly deceiving elderly victims with fake lottery winnings and romantic lies.
How It Works:
• The scammer establishes an emotional bond with the victim, often through repeated communication filled with flattery and promises of love.
• They then claim the victim has won a large lottery prize—but must first pay fees or taxes to claim it.
• Over time, the victim is coaxed into wiring large sums of money, believing it will lead to both financial and romantic reward.
• In reality, the scammer disappears once the funds dry up, leaving the victim financially and emotionally devastated.
Who’s Targeted:
- Seniors, especially those aged 60 and above
- Individuals who may be isolated or emotionally vulnerable
- Residents in the U.S., particularly in high-retirement states like Arizona
Paul Sparke, an FBI Special Agent, noted that seniors are especially vulnerable: “Because they grew up in a more trusting era, they take people more at their word.”
Real-Life Example:
Between 2015 and 2019, Bellinfantie reportedly convinced an elderly woman in Vail, Arizona that they were engaged and that she had won a life-changing prize. According to the indictment, he sent her flowers and love messages—eventually persuading her to hand over nearly $400,000.
The FBI tracked the financial trail, leading to Bellinfantie’s arrest and extradition—a rare success in international scam prosecutions.
Why You Should Care:
Scammers stole over $2 million from Arizona seniors in just the first half of 2024. That’s more than just numbers—it’s retirement savings, peace of mind, and independence.
Beyond financial loss, victims of romance or lottery scams often suffer long-term emotional trauma, feelings of shame, and reluctance to seek help.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be skeptical of “too good to be true” messages—especially involving romance or surprise winnings.
- Never send money or share banking info with someone you haven’t met in person and verified.
- Don’t click links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or texts.
- If you’re pressured to act urgently, it’s a red flag—take a pause and talk to someone you trust.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to your local police or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
Quick Tips & Updates
Quick Tip: “Did you know? Lottery winnings NEVER require upfront payment. If someone says otherwise, it’s a scam.”
Pro Tip: “Scammers now use cryptocurrency and even fake ‘FBI agents’ to convince you to move funds—always verify before acting.”
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions:
- Wire Fraud: A crime involving the use of electronic communications to defraud someone of money.
- Lottery Scam: A fraud in which a scammer convinces victims they’ve won a prize—but must pay fees to claim it.
- Romance Scam: A scam that uses a fake romantic relationship to emotionally manipulate a victim into sending money.
- Extradition: The formal process of one country surrendering a suspected or convicted criminal to another.
- Pig Butchering Scam: A scam where victims are convinced to invest in fake crypto platforms before losing everything.
To read more, kindly find source article here