Romance Scam Against Seniors Prosecutions
1. United States v. Oksana Krasnova (2019)
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, New York
Facts: Krasnova posed as a wealthy American widow on dating websites, convincing elderly men to send money for fake medical emergencies and travel expenses.
Legal Issue: Wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud against seniors.
Outcome: Sentenced to 7 years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of over $500,000.
Significance: One of the first high-profile prosecutions focusing on targeting seniors via romance scams.
2. United States v. Kenneth H. Smith (2020)
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Florida
Facts: Smith created a fake online profile claiming to be a widower, befriending senior victims and persuading them to send money to cover legal fees and fake inheritance taxes.
Legal Issue: Wire fraud, conspiracy, and elder financial exploitation.
Outcome: Smith received 6 years in federal prison and was ordered to pay $750,000 in restitution.
Significance: Demonstrated that elder-targeted scams with repeated victims carry severe penalties.
3. United States v. Liza Martinez (2018)
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, California
Facts: Martinez operated a romance scam ring targeting elderly women, using multiple fake profiles to solicit money for supposed overseas emergencies.
Legal Issue: Wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit elder financial exploitation.
Outcome: Martinez was sentenced to 5 years in prison and required to forfeit over $400,000.
Significance: Highlighted the use of organized networks in senior-targeted romance fraud.
4. United States v. Samuel Green (2021)
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Texas
Facts: Green posed as a military officer overseas to establish trust with elderly women, then convinced them to wire funds for fake medical bills and “deployment fees.”
Legal Issue: Wire fraud, conspiracy, and elder financial abuse.
Outcome: Green received 8 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution.
Significance: Demonstrated targeting seniors using emotional manipulation is treated very seriously.
5. United States v. Natalia Petrova (2020)
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, New Jersey
Facts: Petrova ran a romance scam targeting elderly men, using fake profiles and requests for money to help her travel to the U.S.
Legal Issue: Wire fraud, conspiracy, and elder exploitation.
Outcome: Sentenced to 6 years in prison and ordered restitution of $600,000.
Significance: Emphasized that cross-border scams targeting seniors are prosecutable in the U.S.
6. United States v. Raymond Cooper (2019)
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Georgia
Facts: Cooper solicited funds from elderly victims under the guise of a romantic relationship, claiming he needed money for home repairs and medical emergencies.
Legal Issue: Wire fraud and elder financial exploitation.
Outcome: Cooper sentenced to 7 years in federal prison with restitution over $800,000.
Significance: Showed repeat victimization of seniors can lead to long prison sentences.
7. United States v. Anastasia Volkova (2021)
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Florida
Facts: Volkova operated multiple fake dating profiles targeting seniors, obtaining money for supposed investments and travel plans.
Legal Issue: Wire fraud, conspiracy, and financial exploitation of elderly victims.
Outcome: Sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, forfeiting all ill-gotten funds.
Significance: Demonstrated courts’ willingness to prosecute individuals exploiting seniors via online romance scams.
Key Takeaways from Romance Scam Prosecutions Against Seniors:
Legal Basis: Most prosecutions rely on wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341), and elder abuse/financial exploitation statutes.
High Restitution and Prison Terms: Sentences typically range from 5–8 years, with restitution often exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Targeted Victims: Seniors are especially vulnerable due to emotional manipulation and isolation.
Use of Online Platforms: Scammers often operate via dating websites, social media, or emails.
Cross-Border Scams: International perpetrators targeting U.S. seniors are subject to federal prosecution, often involving extradition.
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