Fraud with alleged diamond deal drives senior into ruin - German Man Suffers Psychological Trauma After Years-Long Romance Scam
A 68-year-old man from Sigmaringen has suffered severe psychological trauma after falling victim to a long-running romance scam. The fraudsters convinced him to hand over large sums of money under false promises of a lucrative diamond deal. Police have since stepped in as the case highlights the growing threat of such schemes across Germany.
The man first met a woman on social media who claimed she could secure him €600,000 in profits from a diamond transaction. Over time, an alleged intermediary repeatedly contacted him, inventing new reasons to demand payments. Without questioning the requests, he complied, accumulating substantial debts over several years.
Eventually, the scammers intensified their pressure for more money. Worried acquaintances noticed his distress and alerted the authorities. By then, the financial strain and fear for his future had triggered a severe psychological breakdown. German police have been actively warning the public about such romance scams, often involving luxury goods. The Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) and state police have launched campaigns to raise awareness, flagging red flags like demands for upfront payments, inconsistent personal details, and refusal to meet in person. Efforts include social media alerts, police website updates, and partnerships with dating platforms to educate users. On Wednesday, the victim was taken to a specialised clinic for treatment.
The case underscores the financial and emotional damage caused by sophisticated fraud schemes. Police continue to urge caution when dealing with unsolicited offers online. Authorities are also working with platforms to prevent similar incidents and protect vulnerable individuals.
