Connecticut Criminal Lawyer Blog
Online romance scams — often called “sweetheart scams” — have been around for years.
However, scammers have recently shifted their tactics. Instead of only asking victims to wire money directly, they are now manipulating people into becoming “money mules.”
How the Scam Works
These scams don’t happen overnight. The scammer usually begins by targeting an unsuspecting, lonely person online — often through dating sites or social media. They spend weeks or even months “grooming” the victim, building trust through daily conversations, affection, and false promises.
To look legitimate, scammers often send fake identification, such as driver’s licenses, passports, or even Social Security numbers.
The victim believes they are in a real relationship. The scammer keeps promising that they’ll meet in person soon, but there’s always some excuse — an illness, a business problem, a family emergency. Once the emotional connection is strong enough, the scammer makes the request: “Can you help me by depositing this check?” or “Can you send money to my business partner for me?”
What the victim doesn’t realize is that the check is stolen or the wire transfer is fraudulent. By agreeing to “help,” the victim has unknowingly allowed stolen money to pass through their bank account, and suddenly, they are being treated as if they were the criminal.
Why This Is So Dangerous
The FBI and FTC have both issued warnings about romance scams and money mule activity. What most victims don’t realize is that you can be criminally charged even if you never kept a dime. Police and prosecutors see your name on the bank account, your transaction logs, and your crypto transfers.
That means you could suddenly be facing charges such as:
-
Money Laundering
It’s not just about financial loss anymore — these scams can leave you branded as a criminal.
National Problem, Local Impact
This isn’t just happening “somewhere else.” I’ve personally seen multiple cases here in Connecticut.
In one case, a client living in Georgia deposited a $30,000 check, converted it to cryptocurrency, and sent it to Nigeria at her scammer’s request. The check was found to have been stolen from a Stamford resident, prompting the Stamford Police to open an investigation. My client was terrified, but because she hired me right away, I was able to present detectives with her text messages and emails showing the manipulation. The case was closed without charges.
In another case, a client from North Carolina ignored detectives who contacted her. As a result, the police moved forward with an arrest warrant for Larceny in the First Degree and Forgery. Now she has to travel to Stamford to defend herself.
The lesson? These scams may be global, but Connecticut victims are ending up in real criminal cases.
What To Do If You’re Caught in a Sweetheart Scam
-
Stop all communication with the scammer immediately
-
Don’t deposit or transfer any more funds
-
Save every text, email, or message — this is proof you were manipulated
-
Consult a lawyer before speaking with investigators. What feels like an innocent explanation can easily be twisted against you
Final Thoughts
Sweetheart scams are no longer just about heartbreak and lost money. They can turn ordinary people into criminal defendants overnight.
If you live in Connecticut and find yourself in this situation, don’t wait until it’s too late. The earlier you have a lawyer step in, the better chance you have of proving the truth and protecting your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetheart Scams
1. How do scammers convince victims to trust them?
They often spend weeks or months building a fake online relationship, sending daily messages, fake IDs, and false promises of meeting in person. By the time they ask for financial help, the victim feels deeply invested.
2. What makes this new twist in scams more dangerous?
Instead of just asking for money, scammers trick victims into depositing stolen checks or transferring funds, which can make the victim appear to be involved in theft or money laundering.
3. Can I still get in trouble even if I didn’t keep the money?
Yes. Police often focus on the fact that your bank account was used. That’s why it’s critical to show evidence that you were manipulated.
4. Do prosecutors understand these scams?
Not always. Many prosecutors focus solely on the transactions, rather than the manipulation behind them. That’s why having an experienced lawyer present the whole story is essential.
5. What should I do if I think I’ve been tricked into this?
Stop all communication with the scammer, save all your messages, and consult a lawyer before speaking with investigators. Early action can make the difference between avoiding charges and facing an arrest.
📞 Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 or reach out through my contact page for a confidential consultation.
