The Heartbreaking Tale of a Widow's Online Love Scam
Kate Kleinert's story is a gripping tale of love, loss, and betrayal that exposes the emotional and financial ruin romance scams can leave behind. After the passing of her husband, Kleinert unknowingly stepped into the web of a scammer pretending to be her perfect match. Her experience underscores how online romance scams prey on the vulnerable, and her journey to recovery has given her a new purpose: helping others avoid the same fate.
A Widow Targeted for Love and Money
Kate Kleinert was at a particularly vulnerable point in her life when the scam began. Widowed and seeking companionship, she was targeted by an individual who crafted an online persona specifically designed to gain her trust. Eventually, Kleinert lost her life savings to this individual, leaving her financially ruined.
How She Fell Victim to the Scam
As the pandemic left many isolated in 2020, Kleinert was drawn to a Facebook® friend request from "Tony," a man who appeared younger than his claimed age and seemed to share her life experiences. Over time, he shared stories of his late wife, his children in boarding school, and his career as a surgeon, working for the United Nations in Iraq. Their connection deepened as they began daily conversations on the Hangout® app. However, they never had face-to-face video calls, as he insisted it was "not safe to show his face" due to his alleged work in Iraq.
He would shower her with romantic declarations, saying things like, "Since the moment I fell in love with you, I can't stop thinking about you ... I can only see my future with you. I will never stop loving you. I pray I'll wake up next to you and hold you in my arms forever," according to AARP. Whenever she sought more personal details, Tony deflected with excuses or sudden "work" exits, leaving her with unanswered questions but enough hope to trust him.
Over time, he found her "Achilles heel" by introducing her to his "children" through emails, where they began calling her "Mom" and confiding in her. This connection touched Kleinert deeply, as she had no children of her own.
Her bond with his "family" led to her first financial contribution — a $100 gift card to help his daughter, who was reportedly scared after her first menstrual cycle. Although she had some reservations, Kleinert felt compelled to help, not realizing she'd broken the dam on a massive scam.
A Heartbreaking Deception Unveiled
As their online relationship intensified, Tony spoke of marriage, claimed he'd bought a ring, and encouraged Kleinert to find a house for them. Though they had never met, he repeatedly asked for gift cards, promising repayment and even sharing access to a supposed bank account with $2 million. They planned to meet in December 2020, and Kleinert prepared excitedly, but Tony never arrived.
The next day, a man claiming to be Tony's lawyer called, saying Tony had been arrested due to drugs planted in his luggage and needed $20,000 bail. Tony urged Kleinert to find the funds, even suggesting she lie to her family. Despite her reservations, she eventually sent smaller amounts to try to help him. When Tony claimed to be in Jordan "raising bail," Kleinert realized the truth. The scam cost her not only her dreams but also $39,000 in savings, life insurance, and pension funds.
Though Tony was a fiction, Kleinert's heartbreak was real. She reported the scam to the FBI and state police, determined to find justice and prevent others from falling victim.
Losing Everything in the Aftermath of Betrayal
In the summer of 2022, Kate Kleinert faced yet another devastating loss. When her air conditioning broke, she relied on a portable unit, which tragically caught fire in the early hours of July 16. Although Kleinert escaped, the fire consumed her home, her possessions, and, heartbreakingly, her six beloved dogs.
The Final Reveal: Who 'Tony' Really Was
While staying in a motel after the fire, Kleinert received a bold request from "Tony" for another $1,500. She explained her recent struggles, but he brushed them off, assuming others would support her. When she finally persuaded him to video call, the truth emerged: "Tony" was actually a 55-year-old Nigerian man using stolen photos of a South American plastic surgeon.
Finding New Purpose and Helping Others
Despite the heartbreak, Kleinert has channeled her experience into helping others. She now shares her story through public speaking and advocates for awareness of romance scams, especially targeting older adults who may feel isolated or lonely. Her involvement in initiatives like "Scam Jam" has brought attention to the red flags of romance scams and offers a source of hope for others impacted by similar crimes. Kleinert's commitment to raising awareness has transformed her tragic experience into a new purpose, empowering others to protect themselves from falling victim to online fraud.
References: Woman Who Lost Everything in a Romance Scam Finds New Purpose | Scam Jam 2023: The Story of Kate Kleinert
