Summary of "Family Has To Stop Dad From Marrying A Romance Scammer!"

Scam Fish Episode Summary: Jose’s Story

In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Scam Fish presented by SocialCatfish.com, a family desperately tries to stop their father, Jose, from falling victim to multiple online romance scams. Despite countless warnings from his children and sister that the women he’s been communicating with—over 10 different online “fiancées”—are not real, Jose remains steadfast, convinced that he has found true love. He even gave one scammer a ring and plans to marry her, showing just how deeply invested he is.

The family’s concern grows as Jose’s financial situation deteriorates. He’s been sending hundreds of dollars in gift cards and Cash App payments to these women, which has led to unpaid bills, a suspended license, and near loss of his truck and home. Jose’s health struggles, including a recent stroke and limited mobility, have made him more vulnerable and isolated, pushing him further into these online relationships since he no longer dates in person.

The SocialCatfish team, contacted by Jose’s son Felix and daughter Janessa, intervenes by gaining Jose’s trust and investigating the women’s identities. They uncover that the profiles “Miriam” and “Vida” are fake, using images of adult film star Ava Adams and social media influencer Francesca Lee. Both scammers are located in Accra, Ghana, a hotspot for romance scams due to economic hardships. The team also traces Cash App payments to a man named Faisal in Lagos, Nigeria, revealing the true faces behind the fake profiles.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Jose struggles to accept the truth, insisting these women make him happy and dismissing his family’s interference as controlling. He even jokes about his ex-wives being unhappy compared to the “women” he’s talking to online—who turn out to be men pretending to be women. The team empathizes with Jose’s loneliness and desire for companionship, noting his charm and charisma but also his stubbornness and pride.

To empower Jose and others like him, the SocialCatfish dev team creates a custom AI-powered tool that analyzes conversations for red flags and scams, helping users identify suspicious behavior before sending money or getting emotionally involved. Jose is given access to this tool to help him date more safely online.

The episode ends on a hopeful but cautious note: Jose hasn’t fully stopped online dating, but now has resources and family support to protect himself. His family’s love and respect for him shine throughout, even as they struggle to pull him back from the brink of financial and emotional ruin.

Notable Highlights & Moments

Jose’s heartfelt insistence that his online fiancées are real and his emotional attachment to them.
The family’s painful recounting of how these scams have driven wedges between them and Jose.
The shocking reveal that the women’s photos belong to an adult film star and a social influencer.
The discovery that money sent to “female” scammers actually goes to men in Nigeria.
Jose’s humorous yet poignant remarks about his ex-wives and current “relationships.”
The introduction of a new AI scam detection tool designed to help vulnerable online daters.
The compassionate approach of the SocialCatfish team balancing tough truths with empathy.

Personalities Featured

Jose – The 64-year-old father caught in multiple romance scams.
Felix – Jose’s son, who initiates the intervention.
Janessa – Jose’s daughter, also concerned and involved.
Drew – SocialCatfish investigator who talks with Jose and leads the research.
Brie – SocialCatfish team member who helps with the intervention.
David – SocialCatfish developer who creates the AI scam detection tool.
Kevin – SocialCatfish team member involved in the investigation.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how romance scams can devastate families and the importance of education, technology, and compassion in combating them.