Help her asap. Don't laugh, but I watch Dr. Phil, lol, and yes, it IS a scam and there's a name to it which I can't remember.

It occurs on dating websites. I'm assuming your aunt has never met the man in person? She never will.

What they do is download pictures they find on facebook and use them as their own pictures. They talk on the phone but can never be seen in person. They make up all sorts of stories as to why they need money. From being in an accident and insurance won't pay yet to all sorts of pity poor me excuses. They make the women feel beautiful with their oh so romantic words in email and on the phone.

The men are from another country, like the Middle East, and they do this to many women at a time. Some women have lost their homes to them.

Good luck!

It's called cat-fishing. I hope she isn't in this financially even if she doesn't have much to entice him. It's a horrible feeling to know you've been duped emotionally and being duped financially just adds to that sense of having been foolish and needy.

DH sent her the links.... I hope she recognizes the pattern for herself, because we all know love is blind!

Cat fishing? Wonder how it got that name? I agree it hurts. She told DH she had a copy of some paper from customs, so we are hoping he didn't ask her to help him get something through.

I wonder if she should change her cell #. Goodness only knows what info he has.

Thanks!

Good luck getting her to stop this immediately. I hope she hasn't charged anything on credit cards, etc. Even though she 'doesn't have much', she could have advanced him money via credit cards and the perp could be scamming those too. Please help her be overly cautious on this one! If you live nearby, can you ask someone like an investigator from the local police department to talk with her with you or your DH present?

Dr. Phil has had several episodes on this...perhaps you can find them on his website or other sites and have her watch them. One woman lost her entire life savings...it is so sad.

Your DH's aunt may not have much, but if she has good credit he could talk her into taking out loans.

Any man truly interested in a woman is going to make every attempt to spend time with her. Please stay involved and try to get her to realize it is a scam.

If she doesn't take your or your husband's word that this guy is a scammer, find a cop or minister who will talk to her.

How old is she? Someone needs to protect her and her finances.

Thanks, everyone! She is in her 70's. She lives down in MS, so not close. My MIL lives with her, and her 40-something mentally disabled son is living with them while his 'village' is being remodeled.

I am SO glad she said something to DH, before this got TOO far. I need to call her son and get her daughter's number, so she can be informed. She lives very close to her, maybe she can alert someone!!

Nancy