Case Studies Details

The $5,000 Romance Scam That Wasn’t Love After All

At FFIATS, we see first hand how intelligent, successful individuals can fall prey to online deception, especially when emotions are involved. One of our most recent investigations involved a classic romance scam in which a client was manipulated into transferring $5,000 to a woman claiming to be the beneficiary of a hidden gold fortune.

This case, which we were contracted to investigate highlights the telltale signs of romance fraud and the value of acting quickly before further financial or emotional damage occurs.

The Client’s Situation

Our American client had been communicating with an alleged English woman calling herself Roxanne Kulman via email and messaging platforms. Over time, the relationship turned emotional and intense. Roxanne claimed she had recently inherited a large quantity of gold but couldn’t access it without paying thousands in “storage fees” to a London solicitor named Steven Baggett.

The client, eager to help, transferred $5,000 to an intermediary account, a “staging account” allegedly connected to the storage facility. That’s when doubts crept in and the client contacted us.

Our Investigation Revealed the Truth

1. The Identity Was Fabricated

Reverse image searches of “Roxanne’s” photos revealed they were lifted from online fashion retailers and social media sites, commonly used in fake profiles. No trace of the real Roxanne Kulman could be found in public records, social platforms, or address databases. All evidence pointed to a manufactured identity, likely part of a larger fraud operation.

2. The Gold Story Was a Ruse

The supposed law firm, Baggett & Associates, had a website riddled with errors and inconsistencies. The solicitor’s name, Steven Baggett, could not be found in the UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority register, a requirement for all practicing solicitors in the UK.

The storage facility “St. James Safe Deposit” was only operating in Manchester and Leeds, yet the scammer claimed the gold was stored in London. The financial transactions funnelled through a U.S.based digital bank (Sofi Bank), further distancing the story from reality.

3. The Emails Were Telling

We analysed the communications between the client, “Roxanne,” and the alleged solicitor. The language used was Americanised (“attorney” instead of “solicitor”), and the writing showed clear signs of being scripted and repurposed from similar scams. Inconsistencies in email addresses (e.g., domain typos) added to the red flags.

What We Advised the Client

We provided a detailed, fact based report evidencing the entire situation was a romance scam, a structured con designed to build emotional trust and then exploit it financially. The scam was likely U.S.-based, as indicated by banking details and language usage.

We advised the client to:

• Report the scam to their financial institution immediately,
• Preserve all communications, screenshots, and receipts,
• Submit a formal report to cybercrime authorities
• Explore potential recovery depending on the payment method used (credit card, bank transfer, etc.).

Lessons Learned — And Shared

Romance scams are not isolated incidents. Thousands of victims around the world lose millions each year to criminals who exploit loneliness, vulnerability, and trust. These scammers are clever, persistent, and often part of organised networks.

If someone you’ve never met in person:

• Asks for money to unlock inheritance, gold, or documents,
• Provides vague answers to specific questions,
• Is unwilling to video chat or meet,
• Pushes for fast financial help through unusual channels…

🚨 Stop. Don’t send money. Talk to a professional.

We’re Here to Help

At FFIATS we specialise in exposing deception. Whether you’re in the early stages of suspicion or have already been defrauded, our team can help you uncover the truth and protect your finances, reputation, and peace of mind.