NY Man Allegedly Stole More Than $1.8M From Women In Romance Scam

NY Man Accused Of Stealing More Than $1.8M From Women In Romance Scam

A New York man has been indicted on multiple charges for allegedly scamming more than $1.8 million from several women he met on dating apps, prosecutors said Monday.

Nelson Counne, 69, told at least five women that he was a wealthy, retired art dealer and investor with homes in New York City, London and France, Manhattan District Attorney Alving Bragg said in a statement.

In reality, Counne has never traveled outside the U.S. and does not have a passport, the district attorney alleged.

 

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“He allegedly fed lie after lie to women he falsely claimed to have a romantic interest in, enticing them with investment opportunities that never existed while using their funds to repay past victims, lure in new ones and fund his lifestyle,” Bragg said.

The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable. Con artists are present on most dating and social media sites.

The scammer’s intention is to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear himself to the victim, and gain trust. Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money.

Scam artists often say they are in the building and construction industry and are engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person—and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.