VeleraLIVE25: "The Tinder Swindler" Victim Shares Scam Detection Keys for Financial Institutions...

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Karen Postma, SVP, Risk Solutions, Velera, and Cecilie Fjellhøy, Co-Founder, LoveSaid Organization, joined us in the Studio Lounge to share scams bilking billions from consumers each year based on personal experiences and how Velera is stepping up and advocating for both FIs and consumers.

Specifically, Karen and Cecilie shared Cecilie's staggering personal story for her part in the Netflix documentary "The Tinder Swindler" that offers insights from her perspective about what she wished her financial institution would have done to help flag the fraudulent activity sooner and mitigate her losses.

They also talked about opportunities for credit unions to implement more controls and how she sees financial institutions impact scam mitigation in the future.

As a result, Cecilie started LoveSaid, a fraud center and think tank that supports victims of fraud through practical support, mental health support, and education/training. The organization offers a ‘one stop organization’ for everything associated with catfishing and emotional fraud, from victims with an individualized 'Care Package', to public bodies, media and other organizations.

Q&A summary
What is the purpose of the LoveSaid organization mentioned in the conversation?
LoveSaid is a nonprofit organization specifically designed to support victims of romance fraud, providing peer-to-peer support and assistance.
How did Cecilie become involved in romance fraud advocacy?
Cecilia started her organization after being defrauded by the Tinder Swindler in 2018, realizing there was no support for victims like her.
What are some of the emotional impacts of being a victim of romance fraud?
Victims often experience confusion about what was real, feelings of betrayal, and significant financial loss, which can lead to long-term emotional distress.
What advice do Cecilie and Karen give to individuals to avoid falling victim to romance fraud?
They emphasize the importance of discussing online relationships with friends and family to identify red flags, as victims often become isolated.
What are some common tactics used by romance fraudsters to manipulate their victims?
Fraudsters often use love bombing, mirroring interests, and creating a sense of urgency to isolate victims and gain their trust.
What is the current status of the Tinder Swindler mentioned in the conversation?
The Tinder Swindler is reportedly in Dubai, attempting to conduct crypto scams, indicating he has not been caught yet.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. Be sure to watch more of our Studio Lounge interviews from 2025 VeleraLIVE on our episode archive page. And check out our sponsors that support our VeleraLIVE coverage: Velera, Backbone, InvestiFi, and Kinective.