EP 25: Houston Love Scam Ring Busted: $3M Stolen from Lonely Seniors!
Description
In this explosive episode of Behind the Scams, hosts Nick and Sue Henley unravel a heartbreaking and jaw-dropping federal case involving a Houston couple who defrauded elderly victims out of millions through romance scams. Drawing from Nick’s former law enforcement experience and insights into federal indictments, this episode walks you through the scams, the tactics, and the justice system’s response.
Akporugo and Sood’s indictment isn’t just another scam story—it’s a shocking revelation of how far scammers will go, and a call to action for listeners everywhere.
The Love Scam Ring Playbook: Fake Love, Real Money
From fake oil rig engineers to “grieving fathers,” this couple used a disturbing range of emotionally manipulative personas to steal money and trust. Victims were promised love, family, and companionship—what they got was lies, financial ruin, and heartbreak.
They used dating apps, Facebook, shell companies, and even in-person meetings to make their stories convincing. At the core of it all? Greed—and a calculated, evolving fraud operation that spanned nearly a decade.
Meet the Victims: Real People, Real Losses
• Victim U.P. – Defrauded Over $1 Million
Met “Abelard Wolf” on Match.com, later manipulated by “Patrick Morten” and others. Gave away cash, gold, credit card access, and was even driven to banks by the fraudsters.
• Victim L.P. – Montana Widow Sent $85,000
Scammed by “Barry Hunt.” Sent a cashier’s check directly to a fake company registered to the scammers’ home.
• Victim R.K. – Lost $400,000 in a Fake Oil Rig Investment
Tricked into sending funds to “Beauteous Body LLC,” a shell company owned by Sood.
• Victim J.L. – Lost Over $900,000
Wired money directly to Akporugo’s personal accounts, showing the brazen nature of the fraud.
The Charges: Legal Consequences for the Fraudsters
The U.S. Department of Justice charged Akporugo and Sood with:
Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Mail Fraud
Multiple Counts of Wire Fraud
Aggravated Identity Theft
Fraud in Connection with Access Devices
Additionally, prosecutors filed a Notice of Criminal Forfeiture to recover any assets obtained through the scams. This opens the door for victim restitution, though that process is slow and complex.
Red Flags You Should Know
If any of these sound familiar, you may be speaking to a scammer:
Claims to work on an oil rig or in a remote location
Excuses for why they can’t meet in person or video chat
Sudden emotional declarations early in the relationship
Urgent requests for money—especially via wire, checks, or gift cards
Promises of reimbursement or future wealth
Isolation tactics (“Don’t tell your family—they won’t understand us”)
How Scammers Escalate: From Love Bombing to Financial Control
The psychological manipulation used in these scams is severe. Victims are often widows or seniors seeking companionship. Scammers use “love bombing,” guilt, and urgency to override logic. Victims gradually feel more obligated and isolated, funneling more and more money into what they believe is a real relationship.
By the time the truth is clear, the financial and emotional damage is often catastrophic.
Repetition and Refinement: A Scam Blueprint
Each scam followed a blueprint:
Connect on a trusted platform (Match.com, Facebook, etc.)
Develop a romantic relationship over messages and calls
Create a fake crisis or investment opportunity
Extract increasing sums of money
Launder funds through personal accounts, LLCs, or beauty businesses
What makes this case unique is how bold and unashamed the scammers were—using their real home address and creating actual LLCs registered with the state of Texas.
⚖️ Why This Love Scam Ring Case Matters
This indictment is more than punishment—it’s proof that law enforcement does respond when equipped with the right information. It’s also a reminder to stay vigilant and speak up when something feels off.
Victims shouldn’t feel ashamed. These scams are incredibly manipulative. But knowledge is power, and education is the antidote.
Internal Resources from Stamp Out Scams
Explore the following helpful tools and content on our website:
Report a Scam
ScamTV on YouTube
Behind the Scams Podcast Episodes
Donation Page
Learn About Romance Scams
External Resources to Stay Protected
These official sites offer reliable support, reporting tools, and scam prevention tips:
FTC Scam Reporting
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Elder Fraud Guide – DOJ
Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker
Download the Full Indictment (PDF)
We’ve attached the complete federal indictment referenced in this episode directly to this podcast page here at StampOutScams.org. Learn how prosecutors built the case and see the fraud operation unfold through court-documented evidence.
Share This Episode—It Could Save Someone
Know someone who’s met a new online “friend”? Send them this episode. Many victims are still caught in ongoing scams and don’t even realize it. Your simple share might break the spell.
Listen to the Episode Now
Available wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Google Podcasts
PDF indictment attached exclusively on our website at StampOutScams.org.
Support the Scam Prevention Mission
Stamp Out Scams is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Every donation helps us create more content like this and support victims of fraud.
Final Word from Nick and Sue
This case is more than a tragedy—it’s a turning point. Use it to spark conversations, spread awareness, and educate those who are most at risk. As always:
Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay alert.
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