A Nigerian man has been sentenced to prison in the United States for defrauding victims of $405,000 through an elaborate online romance scam. The court found him guilty of using fake profiles to lure unsuspecting individuals into sending money.

Authorities said the scam involved building emotional relationships with victims over months before requesting funds for fake emergencies, travel, or investments. Investigators tracked multiple transactions and established a clear pattern of deceit.

The sentence is meant to serve as a warning to others involved in similar schemes targeting people online. Officials emphasized the growing global concern over internet-based fraud and romance scams.

Victims of such scams are urged to report suspicious online activity to authorities promptly. The US Department of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing perpetrators across borders to ensure justice is served.