Liza Jane Likins, a backup singer who toured with Fleetwood Mac and Linda Ronstadt, lost over $1 million in an online romance scam after updating her social media profile following her husband's death. The scammer, posing as an Australian gold miner using stolen photos of a German life coach, targeted Likins after she indicated her widowed status on Facebook.
Over two years, Likins was drawn into a complex scheme involving fabricated stories and requests for money, initially for communication expenses and later for increasingly elaborate logistical operations. The scammer even promised to send her a safe full of cash, leading Likins to make multiple trips to the airport for nonexistent arrivals.
Likins was left financially devastated, losing her home and facing utility shut-offs. She credits the television show "Social Catfish" with exposing the scam and ultimately connecting her with the real individual whose photos were misused. This individual, a German life coach, provided support and encouraged Likins to share her story to prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
