Long-Running Scam Dupes Dozens of Victims
Two women have been charged in a romance scam that defrauded at least 16 elderly men out of over $7 million, according to federal prosecutors in Manhattan. Rosanna Lisa Stanley and Gina Guy allegedly lured their victims with fabricated stories and false promises, leading to their arrests last month.
Elaborate deception and false promises
Stanley and Guy, described by prosecutors as “callous,” allegedly spun tales of needing kidney and liver transplants and solicited money for fake business investments. The scam, which began in 2009, involved in-person meetings, phone calls, text messages, and an online dating platform.
One victim gave Stanley over $1 million after she claimed his money was “tainted with bad influences” and promised to return it clean. From 2009 to 2020, this victim wired money and issued checks to Stanley’s astrology business in Manhattan, believing she could help him “reach his desired life.”
Manipulation and financial exploitation
In February 2023, another victim believed he was in an “exclusive, romantic relationship” with Stanley. He paid her rent and living expenses and provided his online banking credentials. Stanley allegedly changed his password, racked up thousands of dollars in expenses, and convinced him to invest in a fake Florida catering business, costing him at least $555,000. She used $220,000 to pay off loans on a boat and luxury car.
Guy, meanwhile, allegedly scammed at least four men out of over $900,000, often claiming she needed money for kidney transplants.
Arrests and charges
Stanley, with addresses in the Upper East Side, New Jersey, and Florida, was arrested on June 25 in Miami Beach. Guy was arrested the same day in New York City. Both women are charged with money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy, and have been released on $250,000 bond each.
“Rosanna Lisa Stanley and Gina Guy callously defrauded elderly victims who were simply looking for companionship,” said Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. “They allegedly used the millions of dollars in fraud proceeds to lead lives of luxury at their victims’ expense.”