Los Angeles men who thought they had found partners on dating apps ended up falling victim to scammers who were actually after their money.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) issued a public plea on Wednesday (October 8) for a woman named Adva Lavie, who is suspected of a series of residential burglaries targeting elderly men in Los Angeles County.
Detectives at LASD Malibu/Lost Hills station described the suspect, Lavie (also known as Mia Ventura Shoshana/Shana), as approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, weighing around 104 pounds (47 kg), with brown hair and brown eyes. She is known to drive a black Porsche SUV or a white Mercedes-Benz sedan.
Lavie is skilled at using dating apps and social media platforms to target elderly men, establishing relationships with them under the pretense of being a girlfriend or partner, and then committing theft crimes. The victims are scattered throughout Los Angeles County.
Authorities urge victims to come forward and assist with the investigation, and ask the public to provide any relevant information about the suspect by contacting detectives Lopez (818-878-1808) or Marsh (818-374-9500). Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-222-8477.
Online romance scams have been financially devastating for many individuals in recent years. Scammers often prey on people seeking love or companionship, using social media, dating websites, or apps to establish connections. They pretend to build emotional relationships with victims and gradually swindle money from them, with the elderly being particularly vulnerable to such traps.
According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2024, there were 7,626 victims of romance scams aged 60 and above, with total losses amounting to approximately $389 million.
Law enforcement continuously reminds the public to beware of scams when engaging in online dating. Criminals not only defraud individuals of their belongings but may also use dating apps to kidnap young people or lead victims into unfortunate situations.
In 2022, a man from Virginia used a dating app to sexually extort and kidnap a 15-year-old girl in Southern California, brutally murdering her mother and grandparents, and setting her house on fire. Although the man was eventually fatally shot by the police, the lives lost could not be recovered. This case exposed a dreadful reality: scammers who harm children often lurk on the internet.
Last month, Los Angeles County prosecutors revealed another chilling incident: a 34-year-old California man was accused of luring two men through dating apps, meeting them in person, and then brutally killing them. The suspect wore a wig and a mask during the crimes. If convicted, he faces the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The FBI warns the public to remain cautious of scams even when using popular dating apps. Additionally, individuals should avoid sharing personal information online, never transfer money through their own or others’ accounts to prevent unknowingly aiding money laundering, verify the identity of others through multiple channels, not isolate themselves from family and friends based on online acquaintances’ advice, refrain from sending intimate photos or videos, avoid providing financial information, steer clear of meeting online acquaintances alone, and stay away from anyone who asks for money.
If anything seems off while chatting with someone online, seek the opinions of family or friends to prevent becoming a victim.