A Connecticut woman says she lost about $900,000 in a crypto romance scam after meeting a man on a dating app; she now warns others with AARP

In May 2023, Jackie Crenshaw, a 58-year-old woman from East Haven, Connecticut, met a man on a dating site called BLK, which caters to African Americans. The man told her he was a widower named Brandon Miller, 49 years old with two young sons. Over two to three weeks of chatting, they moved to phone calls and texts. Brandon showed interest in Jackie's life, sending her food deliveries and praying with her. He also discussed the possibility of her becoming his stepmother and buying a house together.

Jackie, nearing her retirement, agreed to invest for their future. Brandon introduced her to a broker, who helped her set up a crypto wallet. She transferred $40,000 from her 401(k) based on Brandon's instructions. The balance in her account grew, and he showed her pictures of his own account, which he claimed held $2 million to $3 million.

Brandon eventually told her he would send her $100,000 as repayment for a contracting job owed to a woman in Florida. She deposited the check, following his advice to convert it to crypto and using retirement funds and other investments to supplement the transfer. She also took out a home equity loan to fund the scheme. Brandon encouraged her to throw a yacht party for her 60th birthday, sending her $36,000 for deposits.

Police contacted Jackie about a year later after receiving an anonymous tip. The criminal case is still ongoing. According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report, Americans 60 and older reported approximately $7.7 billion in losses from internet crime. Jackie warns others about red flags such as sharing personal details on dating platforms, a match refusing to meet in person, and anyone pressuring you to move your money. She now works with AARP to raise awareness.