Rogue Romantic Scammers Exploit Vulnerable Women

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

A man in the western U.S. has been identified as a romance scammer who targets intelligent, financially stable women in the tech sector by exploiting emotional vulnerability and using tactics like love bombing and fostering dependency through shared domesticity. These scams can lead to victims surrendering significant assets and highlight the broader challenge posed by manipulative relationships that cross socioeconomic lines, as seen in high-profile cases involving billionaires.

Romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals continue to pose a significant threat, with perpetrators often exploiting emotional traits such as empathy, loyalty, and the ability to form attachments. According to experts, these scammers frequently exhibit a cluster of personality traits known as the dark tetrad: narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism.

A source familiar with one such individual operating in the western United States described him as a calculated con artist who preys primarily on women working in the technology sector, often those grappling with relationship frustrations. This man, characterized as relatively attractive and highly engaging, uses his charm to create an intense and personal connection, making his targets feel uniquely valued. He reportedly frequents bars and social gatherings, centering attention on the women he targets to deepen their emotional investment.

This perpetrator has established a lifestyle driven by exploiting women’s affections, eschewing traditional employment in favor of financial support from his victims. He strategically identifies women who are intelligent, financially stable, yet lonely, gaining from their generosity through lavish gifts, luxury travel, and expensive accommodations. A common tactic observed includes encouraging the adoption of a dog to foster a sense of domesticity that makes it psychologically harder for the women to exit the relationship.

Victims have reportedly been manipulated into handing over significant assets, including partial ownership of properties, as well as being persuaded to open investment accounts purportedly managed by the scammer. These relationships can last from several months to a few years, after which the individual moves on to new targets.

Mental health professionals note that such scammers frequently employ "love bombing," a method of overwhelming victims with intense affection early in the relationship, creating a sense of exclusivity and compelling attachment. This process can suppress the victim's critical judgment, activating neurological pathways involving oxytocin and dopamine that deepen emotional dependency.

High-profile cases have underscored how romance scams cross socioeconomic lines, involving wealthy individuals caught in tumultuous relationships lacking prenuptial agreements. Among these, entertainment mogul David Geffen, whose net worth is estimated at $9 billion, faced a contentious divorce from Donavan Michaels, legally known as David Armstrong, in 2025. The legal battle included accusations of extreme demands and exploitation, with both parties settling the disputes confidentially. Despite the acrimony, Armstrong publicly stated that they remain on amicable terms.

Another notable instance involves California billionaire Stephen Cloobeck and Adva Lavie, a former Penthouse Pet turned prominent OnlyFans personality who has faced felony charges including grand theft, burglary, and identity misuse. Lavie, also known by the alias Mia Ventura, pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial amid allegations that extend beyond California to other U.S. states and European countries. Authorities have also investigated claims that Cloobeck was drugged during their relationship. Despite these developments, sources close to the pair suggest that Cloobeck maintains a cordial relationship with Lavie.

Experts highlight the complex emotional dynamics in such cases, noting that victims often return to relationships even after recognizing they were exploited. The nuanced interplay of affection, manipulation, and trust makes romance scams a persistent and challenging issue for law enforcement and mental health professionals alike.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.