'I Had 29 Miles Of Gas Left' – How A Fake Keanu Reeves Romance Cost A California Woman Her Life Savings

Katherine Goodson thought she had found love. Instead, she ended up living in her car with just "29 miles of gas left." The 67-year-old California woman says she lost tens of thousands of dollars to a scammer pretending to be Hollywood star Keanu Reeves.

“That's the lowest I've ever been,” Goodson told KNSD, sharing her story to warn others about the dangers of online romance scams.

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The High Cost Of Trust

For two years, Goodson sent money to the scammer through Bitcoin, gift cards and wire transfers. Her savings were gone when she realized the truth and her life was turned upside down.

Romance scams are nothing new, but the financial toll is staggering. According to the FBI, Americans lost more than $650 million to romance scams in 2023, Business Insider reported. Older adults, like Goodson, are hit hardest. People over 60 reported losses totaling $3.4 billion, making them the biggest targets.

Why Are These Scams So Common?

Melanie McGovern, public relations director at the Better Business Bureau, tells BI that scammers know how to pull at heartstrings. They pose as celebrities, health professionals or even insurance companies.

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"They'll take any company name and scoop it," McGovern said. Romance scams, in particular, are so prevalent that they're on the BBB's "12 Scams of the Holidays" list.

Goodson isn't alone. Just last year, a woman in South Korea reported losing $50,000 to a deepfake voice pretending to be Tesla founder Elon Musk proclaiming, "I love you." And Kate Kleinert, a 69-year-old widow, told BI she lost $39,000 – her life savings – after falling for an online romance scam.

“Losing the money – that was devastating,” Kleinert said. “But losing that love and the thought of that family that we had? That's what crushed me.”

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How To Spot A Scam

The Federal Trade Commission says there are red flags to watch for:

• The person refuses to meet in person.
• They ask for money, especially through unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
• They push for secrecy or urgency.

“Here's the bottom line,” the FTC advises. “Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven't met in person.”

A Warning From Goodson

Goodson says she doesn't blame anyone but herself. Still, she hopes her experience will stop others from falling into the same trap.

"It's overwhelming," she said. "Just be sure you're ready for that kind of responsibility."

Her story is a stark reminder: Love online can come with a hefty price tag if you're not careful.

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