Conman Stole My Money and Bought His Wife a 10‑Carat Diamond Ring

Published: 24 February 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

A woman in the United States says her life savings were stolen by a fraudster — a scammer she met online who used her money to buy his wife a 10‑carat diamond ring, according to her account to the BBC. The alleged conman, reportedly from Northern Ireland and connected with an organised crime group known as The Travelling Conmen, is now the focus of an ongoing investigation by law enforcement agencies.

The victim, who asked to be identified only as Jane for safety reasons, said she was drawn into what appeared to be a legitimate relationship through social media before being persuaded to send large sums of money. She told BBC journalists that she transferred nearly $1 million (around £800,000) under the belief that the funds were needed for business investments and other urgent needs relayed by the scammer.

Instead of using the cash for the purposes he claimed, Jane says her payments were diverted into luxury purchases, including a striking 10‑carat diamond ring bought for the conman’s wife. The ring became a symbol of the deception — a stark contrast between the lavish lifestyle the scammer and his family appeared to live and the financial devastation experienced by his victim.

Authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom are coordinating their response. The FBI has designated the network involved as a transnational organised crime group, and investigative leads are being pursued on both sides of the Atlantic. Representatives from law enforcement have not yet confirmed specific charges or arrests linked to this case, citing the sensitive nature of ongoing inquiries.

Scams that exploit emotional trust — often referred to as romance fraud — have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Experts warn that fraudsters frequently use detailed personal narratives, fake business opportunities and emotional manipulation to convince victims to send money or share financial access. Typical warning signs include unsolicited contact, urgent requests for funds, and reluctance to meet in person. Instances of romance scams involving cryptocurrency investments or overseas financial operations have been reported widely, with victims losing significant amounts of money.

Law enforcement agencies encourage anyone who suspects they are dealing with a scammer to cease financial contact immediately and report the case to relevant authorities. In the United States this can include the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, while victims in the UK might contact Action Fraud. Prosecutors emphasise that early reporting increases the chances of tracking illicit transactions and recovering assets where possible.

For Jane, the personal and financial impact has been profound. She said that beyond the financial loss, the breach of trust and emotional manipulation have left lasting effects. Her case is now part of a broader effort to highlight how organised fraud groups operate and to alert potential victims to the risks of online relationships that quickly transition to financial requests.

Read More At>>