Two Men Charged in $1.3 Million Romance Scam Targeting Women Across Four States
Two men are facing federal charges for allegedly scamming women out of $1.3 million in four states by pretending to be an NFL player and a financial adviser.
Portland, OR, August 26, 2026 —
Federal authorities have brought charges against two men accused of perpetrating a romance scam that defrauded women of approximately $1.3 million across four states. The scheme allegedly involved the men posing as an NFL player and a financial adviser to gain the trust and finances of their victims.
The investigation, which led to the federal charges, revealed a pattern of deceit where the suspects cultivated online relationships with women. During these relationships, they presented themselves with fabricated identities – one as a professional football player and the other as a financial expert. This dual persona was allegedly used to solicit funds from the victims under various false pretenses.
Details regarding the specific methods used to solicit funds were not fully disclosed, but the total amount allegedly stolen is reported to be $1.3 million. The alleged scam spanned across four different states, indicating a broad reach for the operation. The names of the accused individuals were not immediately available in public court documents.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is leading the prosecution. Further information regarding the timeline of the alleged scam, the specific states involved, and the dates of the alleged offenses are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings advance. The contractor’s name, if applicable, was not provided.
The outcome of the investigation and subsequent charges highlight the ongoing challenges posed by online financial fraud and romance scams. Authorities continue to urge the public to exercise caution and diligence when engaging with individuals met online, particularly when financial matters are discussed.
Story summarized from the original created by MacKenzie Belley on www.koin.com, see more information here.
