Boardman Woman Loses $220K in Facebook Romance Scam: Police Investigate Shocking News Story
How a Boardman Woman Lost $220,000 in a Facebook Romance Scam
It started innocently enough — a Boardman woman in Ohio met someone on Facebook Dating. What followed over the next three months would be a harrowing financial and emotional ordeal that left her without over $220,000.
The scam involved a man who claimed he was in the logging business and needed help after his equipment had broken down and he had lost his credit card. The woman, believing she was forming a genuine connection, gradually began to send money — including Apple gift cards and direct transfers from her bank account.
Eventually, she had wound up sending a total of $220,399.34 to the scammer, who was reportedly using a bank in Colorado. This real-world case, reported by WKBN and WFMJ.com, has sent shockwaves through the Boardman community and raised serious concerns about digital trust.
Timeline: How the Facebook Scam Targeted the Boardman Woman
The story unfolded over three months beginning in July 2025:
- Month 1: The woman and the man began chatting after connecting on Facebook Dating. He quickly built emotional rapport and told the woman that he was dealing with a financial crisis due to broken equipment in his logging business.
- Month 2: He escalated his requests, claiming his credit card was lost and that he couldn’t access his funds. She was asked for help — first via Apple gift cards, then larger sums.
- Month 3: The woman made multiple wire transfers, including to a bank in Colorado. She eventually realized she had been deceived.
This method of romance fraud is disturbingly common, and the precision with which this man manipulated her trust is something all online users should take note of.
The Woman’s Side: Emotional Toll and the Fight for Justice
It wasn’t just about the money — the Boardman woman was emotionally devastated. Once she understood that she had been scammed, she didn’t remain passive. She contacted her bank to stop any further transfers and hired a private investigator to help trace the funds.
She also involved her family, with her brother and sister working to track down any leads that might help recover the money. According to news sources, she filed an official report, and now the Boardman police and a private investigator are actively working the case.
Her case has become a symbol of the growing epidemic of romance scams, where victims are often left feeling ashamed and isolated — even though they are victims of well-organized criminal operations.
Boardman Police Investigate Facebook Dating Scam Targeting Local Woman
The Boardman police and a private investigator are officially looking into who scammed this township woman. The woman has expressed that she does wish to press charges if a suspect is identified.
Police and a private investigator have reportedly traced some of the transactions to a bank in Colorado, and are now working through official banking channels to trace the digital paper trail.
This kind of inter-agency collaboration, including private sector involvement, is becoming increasingly necessary as Facebook scams often cross state and even international borders.
Facebook Scams Like This Are Becoming More Common
How Scammers Exploit Facebook and Other Social Platforms
Social platforms like Facebook are hotbeds for these scams because users often let their guard down. Romance scammers create elaborate fake profiles using stolen photos and personal details. These men can spend weeks or months grooming their targets emotionally before asking for money.
Why Women Are Often Targeted in Facebook Romance Scams
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), middle-aged and elderly women are disproportionately targeted in 220K romance scam cases. Scammers often assume that women are more emotionally vulnerable and financially stable — making them ideal targets.
Red Flags the Boardman Woman Missed During the Facebook Romance Scam
Emotional Manipulation and Fake Emergencies
The scammer created urgency by claiming he lost his credit card and couldn’t pay for repairs to equipment that had broken. This is a classic manipulation tactic designed to bypass logical thinking.
Requests for Apple Gift Cards and Wire Transfers
Gift cards, especially Apple gift cards, are red flags. They’re untraceable and often used in online scams. Once these are sent, there’s virtually no way to recover them.
Avoiding the Same Mistakes Other Women Have Made
If someone you’ve never met asks for money, stop immediately. Do reverse image searches of profile photos. Talk to someone you trust. Don’t be the next woman who gets caught in a scam like this.
What to Do If You’re a Woman Targeted by a Facebook Scam
If you believe you’re being scammed:
- Stop all communication immediately.
- Report the profile to Facebook.
- Contact your bank to stop any pending transactions.
- Notify local authorities, like the Boardman police.
- Consider hiring a private investigator if significant sums are involved.
Step-by-Step: How to Report Facebook Scams to Police and Platforms
- Save all messages and communication history.
- Report the scammer’s profile to Facebook.
- File a report with your local police or sheriff’s department.
- Contact the FBI’s IC3 and FTC with all evidence.
- If applicable, file a fraud report with your bank.
The police and a private investigator may be able to help in cases involving large sums or organized crime.
Expert Advice: How Police and Cybersecurity Pros Handle Romance Scams
What the Boardman Police Recommend to Prevent Online Dating Scams
The Boardman police advise never to share banking information or send money to someone you haven’t met in person. They also urge residents to report suspicious activity immediately.
Cyber Experts Warn Women About Sophisticated Facebook Romance Tactics
Experts agree that AI-generated messages, fake video calls, and emotional urgency are all part of modern scam playbooks. Women — especially older or isolated individuals — should be especially cautious.
Lessons from the Boardman Woman Who Lost $220K in a Facebook Dating Scam
This case is a sobering reminder that anyone can fall victim to a well-orchestrated scam. The Boardman woman acted out of trust — something scammers exploit ruthlessly. But by sharing her story, she’s helping others recognize the signs and avoid the same fate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Facebook Dating Scams
Q: How do I know if I’m being scammed on Facebook?
A: If someone asks for money, especially via gift cards or wire transfers, it’s a red flag.
Q: Can the police recover money lost in a Facebook scam?
A: Sometimes — if caught early and if banking systems cooperate, police and a private investigator may help.
Q: What is the best way to report a scam on Facebook?
A: Use the “Report” button on their profile and file a fraud case with your local authorities.
