As a backup singer, Liza Likins had the privilege of sharing the stage with legendary artists Stevie Nicks and Linda Ronstadt of Fleetwood Mac, creating unforgettable memories that would last a lifetime. However, her world was turned upside down when her beloved husband, Greg, passed away in 2020. The loss sent Likins into a spiral of loneliness and depression, leaving her vulnerable to the cruel intentions of others.
It was during this dark period that she fell prey to a heartless online romance scammer, who, with cunning tactics and false promises, manipulated Likins into parting with her hard-earned money, leaving her financially and emotionally devastated. In a recent interview, Likins bravely shared the details of her harrowing experience, offering a candid look at the sinister world of online romance scams and the devastating consequences they can have on vulnerable individuals.
Liza Likins’ experience with an online romance scammer
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Likins revealed that her ordeal with a scammer began innocently enough after she updated her Facebook profile to indicate that she was now a widow following the passing of her husband. Unknown to her, this small change would make her a prime target for scammers. A man contacted her online, presenting himself as a perfect gentleman, and initiated a six-month-long conversation. Despite Likins’ initial disinterest in romance, the scammer persisted, sending her pictures and elaborate stories that seemed convincing at the time. One particular photo, supposedly of him next to a statue of Buddha, sealed the deal for her as she began to trust the scammer.
As the scammer’s web of lies thickened, Likins was convinced that her online suitor was the director of a gold mine in the Australian outback. He claimed to be facing financial difficulties and needed her help to stay in contact. the 74-year-old explained that she was persuaded to send him $1,000 and cryptocurrency to purchase Wi-Fi equipment, and the scammer even used sophisticated audio and video equipment to make their FaceTime conversations seem real. However, the scam was eventually exposed when Likins watched an episode of the TV show Social Catfish, which featured a similar story. She contacted the producers, and through their research, the scammer’s real identity was discovered, bringing an end to the ordeal.
Liza Likins shares the devastating effect of her ordeal with the scammer
Likins explained that she lost almost her entire fortune to the scammer. She sold her house and was left with barely enough to survive, having to endure the humiliation of her electricity being turned off twice. The scammer’s manipulation was so severe that she was left unable to afford basic necessities like food and medical care, leading to her losing 40 pounds.
She further noted that her ordeal took a devastating toll on her mental health, driving her to the brink of suicide. After being left in a good financial position by her late husband, Likins was shocked to find herself in such dire straits just two years later. Fleetwood Mac backup singer Liza Likins shares her harrowing experience of being financially and emotionally devastated by an online romance scammer, losing almost her entire fortune, and struggling with suicidal thoughts.