65-Year-Old Woman Falls Victim to Romance Scam and Sextortion, Loses Over €5,000

A 65-year-old woman in Mantova, Italy, lost over €5,000 in a romance scam involving sextortion. After connecting with a man posing as a French businessman on social media, she was manipulated into sending intimate photos and subsequently threatened with their distribution. Five individuals have been reported to authorities for fraud and extortion.

Overview of the Incident

In late November 2025, a 65-year-old woman in Mantova, Italy, was contacted by a man on social media who claimed to be a French businessman. He began showing romantic interest, initiating what appeared to be a genuine connection.

How the Scam Worked

Trust-Building Phase

The scammer sent romantic and affectionate messages to establish emotional connection. The conversation was then moved to an instant messaging platform, where the perpetrator used a phone number with a French area code to increase credibility and the illusion of being located in France.

Financial Demands and Coercion

Once trust was established, the scammer manipulated the woman into sending intimate photos. Subsequently, the scammer threatened to share these photos with her friends and family unless she paid money. This tactic is known as sextortion (sexual extortion).

Fearing public humiliation and social damage, the woman paid over €5,000 to the scammers.

Warning Signs to Recognize

Rapid emotional escalation: Declarations of love or deep feelings from someone just met online
Foreign location excuse: Claims of being abroad on business and unable to meet in person
Platform switching: Requests to move communication from social media to other messaging apps
Requests for sensitive content: Demands for ID verification or intimate photos
Escalating financial requests: Money demands that start small and gradually increase

Prevention and Protection Strategies

Exercise caution with online relationships: Don't develop deep trust until identity is fully verified
Never send intimate images: Avoid sharing sensitive photos with anyone online, regardless of circumstances
Refuse all money requests: Decline financial requests from online acquaintances
Seek advice from trusted people: Discuss suspicious relationships with friends or family
Use blocking features promptly: Immediately block accounts showing signs of scam activity

If You're Being Sextorted

Report to police immediately: Contact local law enforcement without delay
Do not pay: Refusing payment is crucial; paying encourages further demands
Preserve evidence: Keep screenshots of threatening messages and communications
Secure your accounts: Change passwords and enable additional security features

Case Outcome

The Mantova Postal Police (Polizia postale di Mantova) has reported five individuals for fraud and extortion in connection with this case. Such crimes are typically organized internationally, involving networks of multiple perpetrators.