Imagine a smooth talker promising love and companionship, only to swipe millions from unsuspecting victims. That’s exactly what Dodzi Kwame Kordorwu, a 38-year-old from Brooklyn Park, pulled off in a romance scam targeting older adults. But his story doesn’t end in romance—it ends with 63 months in prison and $2.1 million owed to his victims.
Between 2018 and 2022, Kordorwu used fake online personas to win the trust of elderly individuals looking for love, convincing them to send money for fabricated emergencies. He posed as high-ranking officials on social media, using the trust associated with these personas to dupe victims into believing they were helping someone they cared about.
How It Works
Kordorwu’s scheme was detailed and deceptive:
- Fake Personas: He posed as senior U.S. diplomats or military officers on social media, creating a credible and appealing profile.
- Emotional Manipulation: Once he gained his victims' trust, he fabricated urgent financial needs, convincing them that he required their help for emergencies or urgent “official business.”
- Money Transfers: Victims sent money to addresses or bank accounts Kordorwu provided, believing they were helping someone in need. He channeled these funds through a series of dummy corporations and accounts to conceal the transactions.
- Continuing the Illusion: Kordorwu engaged with victims personally to keep them emotionally invested and ensure a continuous cash flow.
Who’s Targeted?
This scam predominantly targeted older adults seeking companionship. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable in romance scams, as they may be more isolated and, thus, susceptible to emotional manipulation and trusting in online relationships.
Real-Life Example
In court, U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud described Kordorwu’s tactics as “nothing short of cruelty.” With each new request, Kordorwu deepened his web of deceit, convincing his victims they were supporting a loved one in need. But rather than helping, they were unknowingly funding Kordorwu’s personal expenses and illicit operations.
Why You Should Care
Romance scams aren’t just about money; they can leave victims emotionally shattered, compromising their mental and financial well-being. For older adults on a fixed income, losing substantial sums in such scams can be devastating. And with these frauds often tied to international networks, recovering stolen funds is nearly impossible, leaving victims with little recourse.
How to Protect Yourself
To guard against romance scams, take the following steps:
- Verify Online Identities: Before forming an online relationship, verify any claims made by the person. Watch for red flags like fake or limited online presence.
- Don’t Send Money to Strangers: Genuine relationships don’t involve repeated financial requests. Be wary if someone you’ve never met in person is asking for money.
- Be Cautious of Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often escalate requests quickly, claiming they need financial help due to sudden “emergencies.”
- Report Suspicious Accounts: Report any suspicious social media profiles or accounts to prevent others from being scammed.
- Talk to Friends or Family: Romance scams can be isolating, as scammers often encourage victims to keep the relationship secret. Discussing new online friendships with loved ones can prevent hasty decisions.
Quick Tip #1: "Did you know? Scammers often use photos of attractive, trustworthy-looking people to lure victims. Always be cautious of people with an overly polished social media profile."
Quick Tip #2: "Pro Tip: Real-life emergencies are unlikely to require multiple urgent cash requests. If an online friend asks for money more than once, it’s a major red flag."
Have you or someone you know been targeted by a romance scam? Share your story to help others recognize and avoid these tactics.
Stay safe, stay informed,
Key Terms Explained
- Romance Scam: A type of scam where fraudsters pose as romantic interests to gain victims’ trust, often asking for money for fabricated emergencies.
- Dummy Corporation: A fake company set up to disguise illegal financial transactions, often used in scams to funnel money without detection.
- Restitution: A court-ordered repayment of money to compensate victims for financial losses caused by a criminal.
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