It’s once again the season of romance and potential bad decisions. Even the local authorities and security experts are getting into the anti-Cupid stance by issuing a stark warning to you digital love birds: your latest online match might be more interested in your bank account than your personality.
If you’re in denial, just look at the recent reports from the FTC and the Houston FBI field office – both agencies highlight a surge in romance scams, with national losses exceeding $1.3 billion annually. Just this month, a Houston-based Nigerian citizen pleaded guilty to a multi-year conspiracy that defrauded victims nationwide of millions, proving that these predators are operating right in our own backyard. Find the full story link here from the US Attorney’s Office Southern District.
The “Backyard” Predator: The Case of Leslie Chinedu Mba
The warning from the Houston FBI isn’t theoretical—it’s based on active cases moving through our local courts right now. Just this past December, Leslie Chinedu Mba, a 40-year-old Nigerian citizen residing illegally in Houston, pleaded guilty in a federal court for his role in a devastating $4 million conspiracy.
Mba wasn’t just a lone actor; he was part of a network that used romance scams to target victims nationwide. His tactics were a masterclass in deception:
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The Emotional Hook: Creating false personas to build deep, trusting relationships.
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The Financial Pivot: Once the victim was “in love,” Mba and his co-conspirators funneled money into fraudulent accounts.
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The Double Deception: Mba even attempted to secure U.S. residency through fraudulent marriages, exploiting the very institution of romance to stay in the country and continue his schemes.
Mba now faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with his sentencing scheduled for February 26, 2026, right here in downtown Houston.
Why Texas is a “Gold Mine” for Scammers
It’s not a coincidence that these predators set up shop in the Bayou City. According to 2026 FBI data, Texas ranks #2 in the nation for both the number of elder fraud complaints and total financial losses, trailing only California.
In just the last year, Texas residents reported over $1.35 billion in losses to financial scams. Our large population and thriving economy make us a prime target for “money mules”—individuals like Mba who live among us while moving stolen funds for overseas syndicates.
Pro-Tip: The “Mule” Check
One thing we should mention is that scammers often ask their “romantic partners” to receive money and “forward” it to someone else. This makes the victim an unwitting “Money Mule.” In the eyes of the law, you could be prosecuted just like Mba if you’re helping move stolen funds.
Proactive Protection: The Case for a Private Investigator
Waiting until you’ve sent money to realize you’ve been scammed is often too late. By the time a victim realizes the truth, the funds have usually been laundered through cryptocurrency or international wire transfers, making recovery nearly impossible. If you or a friend/family finds themself in a digital love situation and there is no doubt in your mind that “this is the one”, we suggest you contact a PI before it’s too late.
Why hire a PI before you’re in deep?
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Identity Verification: A PI can verify if the person in the photos matches the name provided.
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Background Deep-Dives: They can check for criminal records, bankruptcy, or multiple aliases that a standard Google search won’t find.
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Asset & Employment Checks: Scammers often claim to be “overseas engineers” or “wealthy businessmen” or women. A PI can verify if that company or position actually exists.
Local Houston Experts
If your gut is telling you something is off, several reputable Houston firms specialize in pre-relationship due diligence:
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Gradoni & Associates: Known for extensive background checks and personal relationship investigations.
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Kgriff Investigations: Specializes in “preventative background investigations” to avoid issues with potential mates.
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Kimmons Investigative Services: Offers deep-dive forensics and verification of material facts.
Red Flags: How to Spot the Scam
Before you give your heart (or your credit card) away, watch for these common tactics:
| Red Flag | The Scammer’s Excuse |
| Refusal to Video Chat | “My camera is broken” or “The signal is poor in this war zone.” |
| Urgent Crisis | They suddenly need money for a “medical emergency” or “customs fees.” |
| Fast-Tracking Love | They profess their undying love within days or weeks of meeting. |
| Financial Advice | They want to teach you how to “invest” in a specific crypto platform. |
Better Safe Than Sorry
While it might feel “unromantic” to run a background check on a potential partner, the reality of the digital age requires a level of skepticism. Hiring a professional to spend a few hours verifying a person’s identity is a small price to pay compared to the emotional and financial devastation of a $100,000 fraud.
If you suspect you are being targeted:
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Stop all communication immediately.
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Report the profile to the dating app or social media platform.
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Contact local law enforcement or file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
