Love Con Revenge: Netflix’s Exposé on Romance Fraud — A Deep Dive for Victims and Advocates

Romance fraud is among the most devastating forms of betrayal. Victims believe they’ve found love, only to discover that their trust, finances, and dignity have been exploited. Netflix’s six-part docuseries Love Con Revenge, released September 5, 2025, places this modern epidemic in the spotlight. Hosted by Cecilie Fjellhøy, herself a survivor of The Tinder Swindler, and private investigator Brianne Joseph, the show chronicles the painful stories of victims while pushing for awareness and accountability.

This review unpacks the series episode by episode, considers public opinion, and addresses an issue that deserves more attention: the uneven representation of male victims compared to female victims. We also highlight concrete lessons and warning signs for anyone who might be vulnerable to similar deception.

The Premise of Love Con Revenge

At its core, the series is both investigative and advocacy-driven. Fjellhøy and Joseph partner to uncover how romance scams unfold and how victims can reclaim their power. Each episode focuses on a different case, illustrating not only the mechanics of fraud but also the emotional wreckage left behind. The series sheds light on:

• Tactics of fraudsters: love-bombing, fake professions, fabricated tragedies, fraudulent investments, and medical deception.
• Consequences for victims: financial ruin, shame, damaged reputations, emotional trauma, and long legal battles.
• Barriers to justice: statutes of limitations, lack of resources, and law enforcement skepticism.

Episode-by-Episode Breakdown

Episode 1: The Selfie Scammer

The series opens with Jill Schardein, who fell prey to Todd Dean in Nashville. Dean charmed Jill with constant selfies and affection, convincing her to invest her life savings into his supposed wellness startup, Sanjara. In reality, the business collapsed under fraud and debt.

Outcome: Dean was ordered by a court to repay Jill about $30,727.50 but filed for bankruptcy. His reputation as the “Selfie Scammer” lives on, with more women coming forward.

Lesson: Beware of investment pitches tied to romance. Verify business credentials before contributing money.

Episode 2: Fallen Soldier

Bridget Phillips met Ricky Morrisey, who claimed to be a veteran haunted by war trauma. His story of service and sacrifice convinced Bridget to lend emotional and financial support. In truth, it was all fabricated.

Outcome: Morrisey was found guilty of fraud and larceny, facing a three-year prison sentence.

Lesson: Sympathy scams often rely on unverifiable tragedies. Always fact-check military, medical, or professional claims through official records.

Episode 3: A Fraudster in the Family

Shareza Jackson’s story is particularly painful because it involves marriage and family. Her husband, known as “Dorian,” claimed to be a doctor, wove elaborate lies, and dragged her into financial ruin. Shareza’s daughters were also swept into the fraud.

Outcome: Dorian was not a licensed doctor. Civil suits were filed but later dropped. He now works as a math professor, while Shareza continues dealing with debt fallout.

Lesson: Fraud can thrive even in marriages. Spousal fraud is especially damaging because it exploits legal, financial, and emotional entanglements.

Episode 4: Geek Girl Con

Here, the narrative shifts to a female perpetrator, Sabrina Taylor, who defrauded Aaron Ward — one of the only male victims profiled in the series. Taylor pretended to have multiple sclerosis, inventing medical emergencies that compelled Aaron to “support” her financially. His losses exceeded $100,000.

Outcome: Taylor pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing more than $600,000 from multiple victims. Aaron was excluded from restitution due to statute of limitations.

Lesson: Illness scams are especially manipulative. Always confirm medical claims before offering significant financial help.

Episode 5: Major League Scammer

Christopher Earl Lloyd spun tales of being a former professional baseball player turned financial advisor. He preyed on women through dating apps, including Lindsay Kresmery, persuading her to invest her mother’s retirement savings.

Outcome: Lloyd was arrested under a 14-count federal indictment (13 wire fraud counts and one monetary transaction charge). Prosecutors allege he defrauded victims out of more than $2 million.

Lesson: Fraudsters often exploit celebrity or professional personas. Verify employment or investment licenses before trusting financial promises.

Episode 6: Fraud Fighters

The finale circles back to Lloyd’s indictment while tying together earlier cases. It also emphasizes the systemic challenges: many victims never recover financially, and justice is often incomplete.

Outcome: Some perpetrators faced legal action; others escaped with minimal consequences. Victims continue struggling with debt, stigma, and trust issues.

Lesson: Even when justice is served, restitution may not be possible. Prevention and early detection are essential.

What the Series Gets Right

• Emotional depth: Victims’ vulnerability and shame are treated with empathy, not ridicule.
• Range of scams: From fake wellness startups to fabricated medical crises, the series shows the many forms fraud can take.
• Follow-up reporting: Updates from Netflix’s Tudum articles and mainstream outlets give credibility and closure to each case.
• Destigmatization: The hosts emphasize that victims are not foolish — they were manipulated through sophisticated psychological tactics.

Criticisms and Online Reactions

While viewers appreciate the subject matter, the show has its detractors:

• Overly scripted feel: Reddit discussions suggest that some confrontations and dialogue appear staged, which undercuts authenticity.
• Pacing issues: Critics argue the show drags out certain cases while offering little payoff.
• Repetition: By mid-series, the fraud patterns feel predictable, reducing dramatic impact.
• Lack of systemic critique: Some reviewers wanted deeper analysis of how dating apps and financial systems enable fraud.
• Disappointing resolutions: Many cases end without satisfying justice, leaving viewers frustrated.

Still, most agree that the docuseries raises vital awareness about romance fraud.

Male Victims: The Uneven Coverage

A striking imbalance in Love Con Revenge is the near-absence of male victims. Out of six episodes, only Aaron Ward’s story (Episode 4) highlights male victimhood in any detail. This mirrors broader issues in fraud awareness and reporting.

Why Male Victims Are Underrepresented

1. Reporting bias: Men are less likely to report fraud due to stigma and pride.
2. Selection bias: Producers may believe female victims’ stories resonate more with audiences.
3. Stigma: Male victims fear being seen as weak, deterring participation in documentaries.
4. Editorial focus: The hosts’ perspectives, shaped by their own experiences, naturally spotlight female voices.
5. Evidence challenges: Some male victim cases may lack strong documentation, limiting their storytelling potential.

Consequences of Imbalance

• Reinforces stereotypes that only women fall prey to romance scams.
• Silences men who feel ashamed to come forward.
• Limits public awareness of the full scale of romance fraud.

The Importance of Inclusion

Aaron Ward’s case proves men are equally vulnerable. Expanding representation would normalize male victimhood, encourage reporting, and broaden public understanding.

Key Takeaways for Readers

Warning Signs

• Fast declarations of love (“love-bombing”).
• Urgent requests for money tied to illness, investments, or family emergencies.
• Unverifiable professional or military claims.
• Pressure to move conversations off dating platforms.

Steps Victims Can Take

• Save evidence: screenshots, bank records, messages.
• Independently verify identities and credentials.
• Consult trusted family, friends, or legal professionals early.
• Report promptly to law enforcement and banks, even for small losses.

Systemic Barriers

• Statutes of limitations often bar restitution.
• International scams complicate jurisdiction.
• Victims rarely recover money even after convictions.
• Emotional recovery is as crucial as financial repair.

Overall Verdict

Love Con Revenge is imperfect but impactful. Its production choices — sometimes scripted, sometimes repetitive — do not diminish its value as an educational tool. For victims, it validates painful experiences and reduces stigma. For the public, it serves as a warning that romance fraud is sophisticated, pervasive, and devastating.

Most importantly, the show begins conversations that must continue: how to prevent these scams, how to support victims, and how to dismantle the cultural silence — particularly around male victimization.

For readers of Spousal-Fraud.com, the series is more than entertainment; it is a case study in betrayal, resilience, and the urgent need for vigilance in matters of the heart.