A LinkedIn romance scam led Gaby to lose nearly $1 million over two years, revealing the deceptive tactics used by scammers to build trust and manipulate victims.
A devastating romance scam that began on LinkedIn cost Gaby nearly $1 million, as a scammer escalated requests for money over two years after initially returning her first payment to build trust.
Gaby’s story, shared on “The CyberGuy Report Podcast,” highlights how an online relationship that started in 2019 evolved into a financial nightmare. She sent close to $1 million to a man she never met, who was using the photos and identity of a real person named Brian Haugen. Haugen also joined the podcast to discuss the impact of having his likeness exploited by scammers targeting women worldwide.
Gaby recounted how the initial contact came through LinkedIn in March 2019, a platform she primarily used for professional networking. The scammer appeared connected to one of her former colleagues, which lowered her guard. “So I thought, oh yes, she knows him. Okay. That’s fine. So let’s contact,” Gaby recalled, illustrating how a seemingly innocent connection can lend credibility to a fraudulent profile.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers often study social media profiles to tailor their approaches, making it essential for users to verify connections independently. Gaby’s experience underscores the importance of skepticism, even when a profile appears credible due to mutual connections.
Initially, the scammer did not demand large sums of money. Instead, they spent weeks discussing his supposed business in the gemstone trade and claimed to have traveled to Vietnam. The first request for money arose when he stated his bank account had been blocked, prompting Gaby to send about $10,000. However, the scammer’s subsequent return of that money significantly altered her perception of him. “I started to trust him because he sent me back money,” she explained.
This tactic is particularly revealing; returning money can create a false sense of security, making future requests seem less risky. Over time, Gaby sent amounts of $10,000, $20,000, and even $40,000, eventually culminating in a request for $200,000 to cover taxes and customs fees. The scammer promised repayment once the financial issues were resolved.
As the relationship progressed, Gaby considered traveling to Vietnam to meet him. However, the scammer continually postponed the meeting, citing stress and a desire to look his best. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, making international travel more challenging. Gaby noted that the scammer always had an excuse for why they could not meet, a common tactic identified by the FBI as a warning sign in romance scams.
Eventually, the narrative shifted from business troubles to a supposed health crisis. The scammer claimed he needed surgery, tying the request for money directly to their relationship. Gaby recalled, “Suddenly he told me he needs surgery to prove my love. I sent 500,000.” By this point, Gaby had invested significant emotional energy into the relationship, making it difficult to recognize the manipulation at play.
Brian Haugen, the real person behind the scammer’s photos, shared his experience of having his identity misused. He explained that scammers often steal images from social media accounts, using them to create fraudulent profiles. This identity theft has left him anxious about traveling, as multiple passports bearing his likeness have been created under different names. The FBI reports that romance scammers frequently utilize stolen photographs rather than their own images.
Gaby’s story is also featured in “Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam,” a Hulu docuseries that explores the experiences of women who unknowingly fell for the same scammer. The series illustrates how romance fraud can involve stolen identities, online information gathering, and emotional manipulation, often executed by multiple individuals rather than a single scammer.
According to FTC data, nearly 60% of individuals who reported losing money to romance scams in 2025 indicated that their interactions began on social media, with reported losses reaching approximately $298 million. This statistic highlights the vulnerability of users who share personal information online, which scammers can exploit to craft convincing narratives.
As Gaby began to question the legitimacy of her online partner, she sought verification by connecting with the real Brian Haugen through an online session. The scammer attempted to explain away her findings, but Gaby demanded stronger proof. When he failed to provide the requested email verification, the deception unraveled, marking a turning point in her experience.
Gaby’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of online relationships. When doubts arise, it is crucial to seek independent verification rather than relying solely on the individual’s claims. Social media profiles can provide ample material for scammers to manipulate potential victims, making it essential to safeguard personal information and limit public visibility.
The FTC recommends reviewing privacy settings on social media accounts to minimize the information available to potential scammers. Additionally, individuals should be cautious about sharing personal details that could be exploited in a scam. Conducting reverse image searches on profile pictures and verifying connections through trusted contacts can also help identify potential fraud.
Gaby’s experience illustrates how romance scams can evolve over time, often starting with seemingly innocent interactions before escalating into significant financial requests. The FBI advises individuals to be wary of intense romantic advances from online acquaintances and to consult trusted friends or family members before making any financial commitments.
In conclusion, Gaby’s story highlights the importance of vigilance in online interactions. Scammers often employ sophisticated tactics to build trust and manipulate victims, making it essential for individuals to remain skeptical and seek independent verification of any claims made by online acquaintances. For more insights into Gaby’s experience and the impact of identity theft, listen to her full story on “The CyberGuy Report Podcast,” available at cyberguy.com/podcast/.
For further information on protecting yourself from online scams, consider exploring resources provided by the FTC and the FBI, which offer guidance on identifying and reporting fraudulent activities. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
According to Fox News, Gaby’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in online relationships.