EP. 105 | Tracing a Romance Scam: A Survivor’s Story and the Investigation Behind It

Romance and “investment” scams are not random. They are engineered — built on trust, pressure, and highly scripted manipulation. And while crypto is often the payment rail, the underlying crime is familiar: fraud that targets everyday people and drains life savings.In this episode, Detective Matt Hogan of the Connecticut State Police and scam survivor Jackie Crenshaw join Ari to walk through how these schemes unfold, how investigators trace funds once they move on chain, and why faster reporting and better education can make a real difference.Jackie shares her story of meeting someone on a dating platform and gradually being pulled into an investment narrative that felt credible — complete with convincing documentation, coaching, and escalating requests. She also describes the warning signs she tried to validate, and what it was like to seek help before realizing the full scope of the scam.Det. Hogan breaks down what it takes to investigate cases like this at the state and local level — including the operational and legal hurdles that can prevent recovery once funds move through wallets and exchanges. He also explains why many scams blend multiple typologies, from crypto transfers to gift cards, and how victims can be supported through the process.This episode is a candid look at modern fraud — and a roadmap for how the ecosystem can respond.