Lebanon County woman loses at least $384,000 in TikTok romance scam

Brian RocheLEBANON COUNTY, Pa. —

A 63-year-old woman from Lebanon County lost at least $384,000 in a romance scam involving a scammer she met on TikTok, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Scammer posed as a country music star

The victim and the scammer began communicating on TikTok in February before the scammer persuaded her to switch their conversations to the messaging app Telegram. Scammers often use Telegram because it allows users to sign up without revealing personal information, and all messages are encrypted.

The scammer posed as an up-and-coming country music star on TikTok and requested money to support his career. State police said the victim sent money and purchased hundreds of Apple gift cards to transfer additional funds. Investigators are still working to determine if more money was involved.

The suspect repeatedly told the victim not to inform her family about their relationship. However, the scam was discovered by the victim’s children.

Romance scams target emotionally vulnerable people

Consumer investigator Brian Roche said these types of scams target emotionally vulnerable individuals. “These crooks prey on lonely people, widows and widowers, when they are emotionally vulnerable,” Roche said.

He urged people to stay involved in the lives of single friends and family members and to ask questions about who they are communicating with. Roche also noted that romance scam victims are not always senior citizens, adding, “I have talked to romance scam victims in their 30s and 40s.”