A California man is behind bars, accused of swindling dozens of women in a romance scam.
The Los Angeles Police Department arrested Wilson Jackson Thursday in California, but police say he had victims in many states, including right here in Arizona.
"He was a gentleman. He picked me up from the airport. He opened up cars. He paid for the movie. He cooked me breakfast in the morning. He was not aggressive," said Acacia Oudinot, who LAPD said was his eighth victim.
Oudinot said she met Will Jackson, as she calls him, online.
She said Jackson bought her a plane ticket to come visit him in Los Angeles, but when she got to the airport, the ticket wasn't valid.
While at the airport, she got a text from him with a picture saying his credit card wasn't working at the bank. She ended up paying for her own ticket with the promise of him paying her back.
The two spent the weekend in LA, where she said they had a great time. They went to dinner and a movie, but Oudinot said while she was out there, he took pictures of her credit cards and stole checks from the center of her checkbooks.
Then, she said, he blocked her on social media.
Jackson is now facing multiple felony charges relating to the women he allegedly scammed while dating.
Police think there may be more victims. If you have any information, contact LAPD at 877-275-5273.
When looking for love online, keep the following warning signs in mind. The Federal Trade Commission says your relationship may not be what you think if the person:
- wants to leave the dating site immediately and use personal email or IM
- claims love in a heartbeat
- plans to visit, but is prevented by a traumatic event or a business deal gone sour
- claims to be from the U.S., but is traveling or working overseas
As the FTC puts it, "You may lose your heart, but you don't have to lose your shirt, too." Be extremely skeptical if the person asks for money to cover:
- travel
- medical emergencies
- hotel bills
- hospital bills for a child or other relative
- visas or other official documents
- losses from a temporary financial setback