A resident of the Belgorod region wired over a million rubles to fraudsters who posed as love experts in a bid to reconnect with his former spouse. The incident was reported by the regional division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which is actively handling the case.
Initial inquiries indicate that the man, recently separated from the woman he cared for, sought out fake mediums offering love spells and other mystical services. He believed that a miracle could reunite them and began a dialogue with supposed specialists who claimed to control fate and destiny.
The scammers kept the man engaged for roughly a week, during which he continued to transfer funds. In total, the victim lost more than a million rubles as the so‑called specialists promised quick results and easy reconciliation. Just as the situation grew more desperate, the scammers severed all contact. It was only then that the man realized he had been deceived.
Authorities opened a criminal case and the Ministry of Internal Affairs is actively tracing the suspects, collecting evidence and pursuing leads to dismantle the fraud network and prevent others from falling prey to similar schemes.
Similar fraud patterns have been reported in other regions, including Irkutsk, where multiple cases involved online manipulation and deception around personal relationships or tempting deals. Experts warn that emotional manipulation, quickly made promises, and pressure to transfer funds are common tools used by scammers in these schemes. Citizens are urged to verify every contact claiming to offer relationship help, and to seek independent advice from trusted friends or professionals rather than responding to unsolicited requests for money. When in doubt, report the encounter to local authorities and avoid sharing financial information with unknown individuals.
In the Belgorod case, investigators emphasize the importance of recognizing red flags, such as requests for secrecy, urgency, or payments through unconventional channels. The case also highlights the broader risk of online scammers who capitalize on loneliness or heartbreak, and it serves as a reminder that legitimate counselors or mediators do not demand upfront payments before offering any real guidance. Victims are encouraged to document all interactions, keep records of payments, and contact the authorities promptly if suspicious behavior is detected. Confirmation of the investigation and updates on the progress are expected as officers continue to pursue the perpetrators and dismantle the fraud network. — attribution: Ministry of Internal Affairs