The romance scam epidemic has become a significant and rapidly accelerating problem in the United States. One such tragic case involves Laura Kowall, an Illinois woman who fell victim to this deceitful scheme. This is her story, detailing how she was ensnared by scammers, leading to a devastating conclusion.
Laura Kowall’s Life and Loss
Laura Kowall, a devoted wife and mother, lost her husband to cancer in 2015. Seeking companionship after his death, she moved to the small town of Galena, Illinois. Laura decided to try online dating, believing it to be a safer option. At the age of 55, she joined Match.com, one of the most popular dating sites, hoping to find love again.
The Illusory Romance
Laura soon met a man named Frank Bour, who presented himself as a Swedish businessman and widower with roots in Iowa. His profile included a photo and a compelling backstory that seemed to resonate with Laura. Over nearly two years, Laura and Frank exchanged hundreds of emails, phone calls, and developed a strong emotional bond. Despite never meeting in person, Laura quickly professed her love for Frank within two weeks.
The Scam Unravels
By the summer of 2020, Kelly, Laura’s daughter, began to suspect something was amiss. Her concerns were confirmed when a federal agent contacted her on August 7th, warning her that her mother might be involved in a fraud scam. Laura’s behavior became increasingly secretive, and she abruptly canceled plans with her neighbor on the day she disappeared.
Laura’s Disappearance
When Kelly arrived at her mother’s house, she found Laura missing, with only her dog, Effie, left behind. Kelly discovered a note from Laura admitting to living a double life, involving Frank, and expressing fear for her safety. Laura’s car was eventually found, and her body was discovered in the Mississippi River, hundreds of miles from her home. The medical examiner ruled her death a drowning, but Kelly believes her mother was murdered.
The Scammer’s Tactics
Investigations revealed that Frank’s emails originated not from Sweden but from Ghana, a hotspot for romance scams. Scammers like Frank use dating sites to build trust with their victims, eventually extracting large sums of money. Laura had sent over $1.5 million to Frank, believing it was for his financial firm, Goose Investments, which turned out to be fictitious.
The Broader Impact of Romance Scams
Romance scams are widespread and affect people of all backgrounds. In 2020, more than 60,000 Americans reported being victims, many of whom were older singles with more disposable income. The true extent of the problem is likely underreported due to the shame and embarrassment victims feel. Scammers often operate from distant locations, making it difficult for law enforcement to track and prosecute them.
Efforts to Combat Romance Scams
Federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, are working to tackle this global issue. They have conducted operations in countries like Ghana and Nigeria, where many of these scams originate. Despite these efforts, the problem persists due to the scammers’ sophisticated methods and the vast number of victims.
The Role of Dating Sites
Dating platforms like Match.com have come under scrutiny for their role in facilitating these scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused Match.com of having a high percentage of fake accounts. Match Group, which operates several dating sites, claims to spend $125 million annually on trust and safety, but former executives indicate that fake accounts remain a persistent issue.
Legal and Legislative Actions
Congresswoman Britney Pon has introduced legislation to require dating sites to notify users if they have interacted with a scam account. While Match Group asserts it has fraud notifications in place, federal prosecutors continue to pursue cases against scammers and their accomplices, including those in the U.S. who help launder money.
Kelly Kowall’s Mission
Kelly Kowall has dedicated herself to raising awareness about romance scams after losing her mother. She discovered that Laura had become a “money mule,” helping scammers move money unwittingly. Kelly believes that those involved in these scams, directly or indirectly, are responsible for her mother’s death. Now, as a mother herself, she is determined to prevent others from falling victim to such schemes.
This heartbreaking story of Laura Kowall highlights the devastating impact of romance scams and underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, stronger regulations, and more robust law enforcement actions to combat this growing epidemic.
