A LinkedIn message from a stranger might not raise eyebrows for most people, especially if they have a mutual connection. This was the case for Gaby, who shared her experience on “The CyberGuy Report Podcast” at cyberguy.com/podcast/. She recounted how an online relationship that started in 2019 spiraled into a tragic romance scam. Over two years, Gaby ended up sending nearly $1 million to a man she had never met. The scammer had stolen the identity of a real man named Brian Haugen, who also participated in the podcast to discuss the impact of having his likeness used as a tool for deception against women globally.
Gaby talked about how quickly she became captivated by the scammer. “The words he used felt intoxicating,” she explained. The relationship intensified with flattery and, eventually, requests for money. Her story is also featured in “Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam,” a Hulu docuseries highlighting women who thought they were in loving relationships with the same man.
What stands out about Gaby’s story is the gradual nature of the deception. Trust was built slowly; the scammer would return some of the money she sent and always had an excuse for why they could not meet in person. By the time he asked for larger sums, Gaby already felt a strong emotional connection.
A LinkedIn message felt safer than a dating app
Gaby recalled that the initial contact occurred via LinkedIn in March 2019, which made her feel more secure. She primarily used LinkedIn for business networking and felt reassured because the stranger seemed connected to someone she had once worked with. “I thought, oh, this is fine,” she remembered.
This small connection provided an unwarranted semblance of credibility. Scammers exploit such nuances. The FTC warns that criminals often study social media to construct more convincing narratives. The FBI also recommends being cautious about what information you share online, as it can aid in fraud attempts. Gaby’s experience illustrates the importance of verifying connections independently—just because there’s a shared contact, it doesn’t mean the person is trustworthy.
The money requests started small
The impostor didn’t kick things off by asking for vast sums of money. According to Gaby, they spent time discussing his purported business ventures in gemstones and a supposed trip to Vietnam. Then he claimed his bank account was frozen, prompting her to send him about $10,000 initially. But when he returned that money, it left Gaby feeling like he was someone she could trust. “I started to believe in him because he sent money back,” she admitted.
This element is particularly telling. If someone accepts your money and disappears, alarm bells should ring. But returning money creates the illusion of reliability, making future requests less alarming. Over time, Gaby sent increasing amounts—$10,000, $20,000, and eventually, a staggering $200,000 for taxes and customs fees, which he promised to repay once the issue was resolved.
Every attempt to meet came with an excuse
Eventually, Gaby considered visiting him in Vietnam, but the man cited stress and a desire to look his best as reasons to delay their meeting. Their ongoing discussions about meeting were further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. When I asked if the fake Brian always had a fallback excuse, Gaby confirmed it. The FBI marks this as a significant warning sign in romance scams—when someone continually postpones an in-person meeting, it’s cause for suspicion.
Then a medical emergency raised the stakes
Things escalated when the narrative shifted from business troubles to health crises. The impostor claimed he needed surgery to prove her love, which led Gaby to part with $500,000. That number is jaw-dropping, but by that stage, Gaby had built a life around their connection. He had returned money before, creating a false sense of security. This progression, emotionally and financially, is frequently cited in warnings from federal authorities against romance scams.
The real Brian had no idea his face was being used
The man behind the photos was an real person. Brian Haugen explained how scammers appropriated his images for their deceitful schemes, creating fake accounts and targeting women for financial gain. He described the anxiety around travel, stating, “There are multiple passports out there with my photo, but with different names.” Seeing his likeness used in these scams is baffling and disconcerting. The FBI regularly points out that fraudsters usually utilize stolen photographs rather than their own images.
What Hey Beautiful reveals about romance scams
Brian’s story was also featured in “Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam,” which examines the emotional and psychological implications of such scams. The docuseries, which debuted in 2025, showcases women misled by individuals who are not who they claim to be. It sheds light on how romance fraud operates through stolen identities and carefully executed emotional manipulation, indicating that scams often involve more than a lone perpetrator.
Romance scams thrive on social media
Social media platforms serve as fertile ground for these schemes. According to the FTC, nearly 60% of reported losses from romance scams in 2025 originated on social media, amounting to roughly $298 million lost that year. With so much personal information available online, scammers can tailor their approach and set up crises requiring financial assistance.
The email request that finally exposed the lie
Eventually, Gaby became suspicious and reached out to Brian Haugen directly through an online meeting. When she asked the fake Brian for confirmation through a specific email account, he stalled. Weeks passed without any response. This delay was a red flag, leading Gaby to realize the deception, emphasizing the importance of verifying someone’s identity through independent means.
Tips to protect yourself from a romance scam
Gaby’s experience highlights the subtlety of these scams. Here are some steps to help spot potential red flags and minimize vulnerability.
1) Reduce what scammers can learn about you
Your social media can provide ample information for a stranger. Be mindful of who can see your posts and photos, and consider limiting access to personal details that could be exploited.
2) Check the profile before you trust the person
A familiar photo or connection doesn’t guarantee authenticity. Investigate the account’s history and look for any discrepancies.
3) Do not treat a video call as proof of identity
While video calls can be revealing, they are not foolproof. Scammers might use deepfake technology or involve others in calls to mislead you.
4) Slow the relationship down and bring someone else in
Ensure you take time to build trust and seek advice from friends or family, particularly before sending any money.
5) Never send or move money for an online love interest
Requests for sudden financial aid often hide a scam. Be very cautious before transferring funds, especially to an unknown recipient.
6) Protect your identity too
Identity theft can also be a risk. Be wary of sharing sensitive information and consider using protection services to monitor your personal data.
7) Save the evidence and act quickly
If you suspect a scam, keep records of all communications and act fast, reporting it to the appropriate authorities.
8) Watch for a recovery scam afterward
After falling for a scam, be on the lookout for others hoping to exploit your misfortune by promising to recover your lost funds for a fee.
Kurt’s key takeaways
What resonates with me about Gaby’s situation is how innocuous it seemed at first. LinkedIn—professional connections, business talk, and trust built over time, which ultimately led to immense financial loss. Romance scams are intricate and evolve over weeks or even months. We should be vigilant, particularly regarding loved ones who may become involved in questionable online romances. A gentle inquiry might reveal unseen contradictions, which could prevent further loss. Listen to Gaby’s complete story and my conversation with Brian Haugen on “The CyberGuy Report Podcast” at cyberguy.com/podcast/.
