EP 14: Romance, Lies & $6 Million Stolen: A Salt Lake City Based Scam Ring Exposed!

Introduction: Romance Scam Ring

In this jaw-dropping episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue dive into one of the most devastating romance scam rings ever prosecuted in the U.S.—a case that defrauded elderly victims out of more than $6.4 million. Led by Nelly Idowu, Emmanuel Adesotu, Julius Fredrick, and Nnamdi Chukwu, the scam involved fake personas, social media catfishing, and a maze of shell companies designed to launder money through banks in the U.S., Nigeria, and China. This was an elaborate romance scam ring preying on the most vulnerable.

Romance Scam Ring Tactics

From fake oil rig workers to fictional military doctors, the scammers used detailed and convincing personas to emotionally manipulate elderly women—many of them widows—into sending hundreds of thousands of dollars. Victims were found on platforms like Facebook, Christian Mingle, OurTime, and even games like Google Games and Words with Friends. Nick and Sue walk you through the real indictment, exposing how the fraudsters moved money, evaded detection, and targeted the most vulnerable among us.

Heartbreaking Stories

In this episode, you’ll hear heartbreaking stories of victims like P.D., who lost over $360,000, and J.S., who sent nearly $1 million to a scammer posing as an international art dealer. You’ll also learn how fake websites, stolen identities, and doctored images played into the deception. Nick brings his professional expertise as a former federal agent to the table, explaining exactly how the scam worked—and why it went on for so long.

But justice did catch up. Sentences have been handed down, including six years for Idowu and millions in restitution ordered by the court. While the victims may never recover emotionally or financially, this case sends a strong message that law enforcement is closing in on international romance fraud rings.

If you think scams like this are rare, think again. Behind the Scams exposes the truth behind the headlines—and gives listeners the tools to recognize, report, and resist fraud. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from these emotionally devastating crimes.

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