Diary of a Romance Scam

When Beth Hyland swiped right, she thought she had found love. Instead, she found herself ensnared in a sophisticated web of deception—one that would not only shake her trust but threaten her financial and emotional well-being. Diary of a Romance Scam is a raw, courageous, and eye-opening account of how expertly trained criminals manipulate, groom, and exploit victims in ways that mirror the coercive control seen in domestic abuse.

This is not just a story of loss but one of survival, resilience, and transformation. As Beth bravely unpacks the intricate psychological tactics used against her, she also shines a light on the devastating stigma that keeps so many victims silent. Society must understand that these scams are not simply about “giving money to strangers”—they are calculated, deeply personal betrayals that thrive in the shadows of shame and victim-blaming. To break the cycle, we must listen to survivors like Beth, amplify their voices, and demand systemic change.

Beth’s journey from victim to advocate is a testament to the strength that can emerge from even the darkest experiences. Her story is not only a warning—it’s an essential educational tool that exposes the brutal reality of romance fraud and urges us all to take it seriously. This book is a powerful call to action, challenging us to replace judgment with empathy and ignorance with awareness.

About the Author

Having experienced romance fraud firsthand and emerged as a survivor, Beth Hyland, who resides in Portage, Michigan, has dedicated her life to raising awareness about this crime and has become a recognized expert. She is committed to being a voice for victims who suffer in silence by sharing her experience through various media outlets and podcasts.

Most recently, Beth drove nine hours to Washington, D.C., to support Senator Blackburn’s Romance Scam Prevention Act. She attended the Senate Committee Hearing as the bill passed, spoke with Senator Blackburn afterward, and was interviewed by NBC News correspondent Julie Tsirkin on Capitol Hill. The story aired on Hallie Jackson NOW and Today. Prior to this, Beth was featured in the LexisNexis article Billion Dollar Crime by Catherine Elsworth. She also spoke on behalf of The Senior Source in Dallas on World Romance Scam Prevention Day, October 3, 2024.

As part of her advocacy work, Beth collaborates with Kathy Waters of Advocating Against Romance Scammers, Anna Rowe of Catch the Catfish, Kim Casci-Palangio of FightCybercrime.org, and Erin West of Operation Shamrock.

In her free time, Beth enjoys attending improv shows at Crawlspace Comedy Theatre in Kalamazoo and occasionally performing—bringing comedy to her tragedy.

Book Review 1:

“Beth Hyland’s Diary of a Romance Scam is a raw, courageous, and deeply human story that exposes the psychological warfare behind romance fraud. As someone who has studied manipulation and social engineering for over two decades, I can tell you this book is not just a personal memoir—it’s a masterclass in how emotional abuse is weaponized by skilled criminals. Beth’s vulnerability and strength in sharing her experience will not only educate, but empower readers to recognize red flags, protect themselves, and begin healing. This is a must-read for anyone who thinks it could ‘never happen to them.’” —CHRISTOPHER HADNAGY, Author; CEO of Social-Engineer, LLC and The Innocent Lives Foundation

Book Review 2:

“Beth Hyland’s book on romance scams is a powerful, personal look at what it’s like to be caught in one of these devastating cons. She doesn’t just break down how the scam works—she takes you through the emotional rollercoaster of trust, betrayal, and heartbreak that so many victims experience. But what makes this book stand out is that Beth doesn’t stay in the darkness. Instead, she turns her story into something bigger—a mission to educate, warn, and empower others so they don’t have to go through what she did. It’s raw, eye-opening, and ultimately a testament to resilience and hope.” —ERIN WEST, Founder of Operation Shamrock