Woman Loses Nearly $1 Million in Sophisticated LinkedIn Romance Scam

A woman, identified only as Gaby, lost nearly $1 million over approximately two years in a romance scam that began with a message on LinkedIn. The scammer utilized stolen photographs of a real individual, Brian Haugen, to build a false persona and cultivate a relationship before repeatedly requesting money.

The initial contact occurred in March 2019 through LinkedIn, a platform Gaby primarily used for professional networking. The scammer's profile appeared to have a connection to one of Gaby's former colleagues, a detail that lowered her guard and lent credibility to the fake identity. Scammers frequently exploit information found on social media to create convincing approaches, according to the FBI.

The deceptive relationship escalated gradually. The scammer, posing as "Brian," initially requested around $10,000, which he later returned. This act of repayment was crucial in establishing Gaby's trust. Over time, the requests increased, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, before escalating to a demand for $200,000 to cover alleged taxes and customs fees.

Throughout the purported relationship, the scammer consistently evaded meeting Gaby in person. Excuses ranged from personal stress to the difficulties posed by international travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FBI notes that repeated cancellations or excuses for not meeting in person are significant warning signs of romance scams.

The stakes were further raised when the scammer claimed a medical emergency requiring surgery. Gaby stated that she sent $500,000 to prove her love, highlighting how emotional manipulation and fabricated emergencies are common tactics. Federal authorities warn that romance scammers often spend weeks or months building trust before introducing a crisis that necessitates financial assistance.

The man whose photographs were used, Brian Haugen, was unaware his likeness was being exploited. Haugen explained that scammers steal photos from social media accounts to create fake profiles. He expressed concern that his identity had been used to create multiple fake passports, illustrating the pervasive nature of such identity theft.

This case is featured in the Hulu docuseries "Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam," which explores the stories of women targeted by similar schemes. The series details how stolen identities, online reconnaissance, and timed emotional manipulation are key components of these frauds. While some operations may involve multiple individuals, the core lesson remains: never assume an online persona is genuine.

According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data from April 2026, nearly 60% of reported romance scam losses in 2025 originated on social media platforms, totaling approximately $298 million. Scammers leverage personal information shared online, such as photographs, job details, or life events, to tailor their deception.

Gaby began to suspect the truth when she arranged to interact with the real Brian Haugen. When confronted, the fake "Brian" stalled when asked to provide corroborating evidence, such as sending an email from the legitimate account associated with a meeting invitation. This inability to provide independent verification was the final confirmation for Gaby that she had been defrauded.

Authorities advise several precautions to prevent falling victim to romance scams:

• Limit personal information online: Review social media privacy settings to restrict who can see posts and personal details.
• Verify online profiles: Examine account history, perform reverse image searches on profile pictures, and independently verify mutual connections.
• Be cautious of video calls: While a video call can be a tool, scammers can use deepfakes or involve others. Always cross-reference information with independent findings.
• Slow down relationships and involve others: Be wary of overly intense romantic advances early on and confide in trusted friends or family.
• Never send money: Refuse all requests for financial assistance, and be cautious of requests to transfer money on behalf of an online contact.
• Protect your identity: Be vigilant about sharing sensitive personal information and consider identity theft protection services.
• Save evidence and report promptly: Keep records of all communications and financial transactions. Report scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC.
• Beware of recovery scams: Be skeptical of unsolicited offers to recover lost funds, as these can be a secondary scam targeting previous victims.