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In a Nutshell
• Romance scams can happen offline, not just through dating apps
• Jessica met her scammer in person, not behind a profile picture
• He used cultural understanding and emotional manipulation to gain financial control
• His goal wasn’t quick money, but long-term access to her property and assets
• Watch out for fast-moving relationships and financial discussions that feel “too soon”
Most people imagine romance scams happening behind screens, powered by fake photos and broken English. Jessica’s story destroys that myth. Her scammer showed up in person, confident, smiling, and wearing a bold red shirt he called “Chinese red.” A colour he claimed he picked to make her feel at home.
It worked, for a while.
Jessica had just arrived in Australia with her daughter, vulnerable, hopeful, and trying to rebuild her life. She believed she had met someone genuine. Instead, she walked into a slow-burning, real-world version of pig-butchering: a scam built on affection, charm, and financial positioning rather than online dashboards and crypto “investment” tabs.
This is her real experience — a warning straight from the victim’s story.
Mark played the long game. He was well-spoken, patient with her English, and knew exactly how to earn her trust.
During the week, he was devoted — texting, calling, and planning dates. But every Friday night, he disappeared without warning, reappearing by Sunday with smooth excuses:
Jessica didn’t see it then, but these disappearances were emotional manipulation. This push-and-pull tactic is common in romance scams: create emotional highs, vanish suddenly, then return just in time to keep the victim dependent.
One weekend, Jessica decided to surprise Mark at his house. Instead, another woman opened the door.
That woman wasn’t an ex — she was another victim. She also knew about K, yet another woman who had fallen for the same lies.
Jessica’s “relationship” was never real. It was part of a web of deceit and financial exploitation — a pig-butchering scam conducted in real life.
According to K, Mark wasn’t after quick money. His strategy was slow, methodical, and aimed at long-term financial control.
He specifically targeted Chinese migrant women who valued property and stability. His scam involved:
One woman’s house even ended up under his name. This wasn’t just a love scam — it was an economic exploitation scheme disguised as romance.
As K put it, “He didn’t steal everything at once. He chipped away until the trust, and the money, were gone.”
Jessica’s story proves that romance scams are no longer limited to online dating. Scammers now use face-to-face intimacy, shared culture, and emotional timing to take advantage of trust.
The warning signs she missed include:
When love becomes tied to money or legal commitments, pause. Real relationships don’t come with financial deadlines.
Romance scammers study emotions, culture, and vulnerabilities. They adapt quickly, blending charm with calculated manipulation.
Jessica’s experience is more than a sad story — it’s a reminder that even smart, strong people can be deceived when their emotions are targeted.
Love should never cost your savings, your home, or your peace of mind.
FAQs
Are romance scams only online?
No. Offline romance scams are increasing, especially where scammers use real-world charm and trust to manipulate victims.
What is pig-butchering in a romance scam?
It’s a method where scammers build long-term emotional relationships to gain trust before financially exploiting victims, often through fake investments or shared assets.
What are the biggest red flags in a romance scam?
Fast-moving relationships, financial discussions early on, emotional inconsistency, and requests for property or money.
Can someone really gain property rights through a relationship?
Yes. In some countries, living together long-term can grant a partner legal claims to shared assets. Scammers exploit this by moving in and gaining access to property.
How can I check if a romance connection or website is safe?
Before sharing money or personal details, use ScamAdviser.com or the ScamAdviser app to check for warning signs or fake websites.
How can you protect yourself from modern romance scams?
Trust slowly, verify always. If love comes with pressure to invest or co-own property, take a step back and get an outside opinion.
The ScamAdviser app can help you verify websites, names, and online offers before you commit. It’s quick, free, and can help you spot scams before they reach your heart — or your bank account.
Visit ScamAdviser.com or download the app to stay alert, informed, and one step ahead of romance scammers. The story first broke on SBS News.
