Scammer pretended to be military serviceman to swindle 74-year-old victim, police say

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. ā€“ Linda Bemis was using Facebook when she thought she had connected with a handsome military serviceman known as Mr. Bravo. Detectives said the Facebook user was a scammer who would later manipulate her into handing over $60,000.

Bemis fell in love, so when Mr. Bravo was stuck in Afghanistan and he needed $50,000 to get his luggage through customs she sold a share of her home to raise the money. She also sold her car to send $10,000.

Bemis didnā€™t hesitate. The Facebook user had earned her trust.

ā€œWhen we were growing up we had pen pals and stuff like that. Everybody was always who they said they were,ā€ Bemis said adding, ā€œThe guy had a really nice smile.ā€

Officers arrested Lisa Miller on Tuesday accusing her of swindling the 74-year-old heartbroken victim, according to the arrest warrant. Miller denied the ā€œcrazyā€ accusations and said she too was scammed.

ā€œBe careful ... Before you know it, you can become a victim just like that in this case,ā€ said Sgt. Brian Schnell, of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department.

According to the FBIā€™s Internet Crime Complaint Center, romance scams result in the highest amount of financial losses to victims when compared to other online crimes and Florida is among the states with the highest numbers of victims.

Investigators said bank records show Miller spent the cash in months. They also found the internet protocol address for the romance scammerā€™s Facebook account was from Nigeria. Fraudsters are able to use virtual private network providers to get IP addresses from other countries.

Miller is facing charges of theft from the elderly and organized fraud. She remained in Miami-Dade County

What is a romance scam

Tips to avoid becoming a victim

  • Be careful with what you post. Scammers can use that information against you.
  • Research the personā€™s photo and profile.
  • Ask lots of questions.
  • Beware of requests for inappropriate photos or financial information.
  • Beware of excuses for not meeting in person.
  • Never send money to anyone you donā€™t know personally.

Source: FBIā€™s Internet Crime Complaint Center


About the Authors:

Reporter Rosh Lowe has been covering news for nearly two decades in South Florida. He joined Local 10 in 2021.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.