CINCINNATI (WKRC) – An 80-year-old woman says a romance scam didn’t just cost her more than $80,000 — it nearly cost her life.
Jean Schoney is sharing her experience to warn others how quickly online relationships can lead to financial and emotional devastation.
“I was so depressed and lonely and he took advantage of me,” Schoney said.
She said the scam began in 2023 after she sold her home and had about $70,000 in savings. Soon after, she met a man on Facebook who called himself “Brian Patrick Kean,” and they quickly formed a relationship.
“When Brian told me he loved me, I thought I had found my second soulmate,” Schoney said. “But I didn’t. I found the devil in disguise.”
Schoney never met the man in person but sent him money through gift cards, money orders, and cash. She even sold her late husband’s truck.
“All together he took $80,572.75,” she said.
According to Schoney, the man frequently created urgent situations requiring money, including legal issues, medical emergencies, and travel costs. At one point, she packed her belongings, believing they would start a life together, and waited for him to pick her up—but he never arrived.
“I knew he wasn’t coming because it was all a lie,” she said.
Her sister-in-law eventually urged her to contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say these scams are common and often difficult to prosecute.
“It’s hard to prove sometimes because people are willingly giving up their money,” said intelligence analyst supervisor David Riley. “The biggest problem is that they are usually not local — sometimes they’re not even in the United States.”
Riley added that scammers often target vulnerable individuals, especially those dealing with loneliness or isolation.
“A lot of times the elderly just want attention again,” he said. “And these scammers know what to say.”
Authorities warn of common red flags, including refusing to meet in person, quickly professing love, asking for money through gift cards or wire transfers, and creating urgent scenarios.
When asked about the chances of recovering lost money, Riley said, “Unfortunately, not very good.”
Schoney said the emotional impact was overwhelming.
“He broke my heart, and he broke me,” she said. “I was ready to kill myself because of him.”
She was able to get help before harming herself and now hopes others can learn from her experience.
“You never believe you’re going to get scammed,” Schoney said. “You go by what the heart says — and I fell in love with him.”
Authorities urge families to stay connected with older relatives and have open discussions about finances and online activity to help prevent scams.
Leave a Comment