Losing Margaret: A Romance Scam Becomes A Family Nightmare

by Katharine Tober

After losing her beloved husband Ray, Aunt Margaret is left vulnerable, isolated, and yearning for connection. When she turns to the internet for companionship, she unknowingly opens the door to a series of romance scams that prey on her trust and loneliness. Over the course of two painful years, Aunt Margaret sends hundreds of thousands of dollars to men she has never met—believing in love stories carefully crafted by strangers with cruel intentions.

As her financial and emotional well-being spiral out of control, it falls on her three nieces—who have loved her like a mother all their lives—to intervene. Bound by family, compassion, and deep concern, they navigate a complex and heartbreaking journey of deception, mental decline, and hard decisions. Together, they face reluctant institutions, the limits of legal power, and their aunt’s fierce resistance, all while trying to protect someone they love from herself.

Based on true events, Losing Margaret is a deeply emotional story of love, loss, and redemption. It is a cautionary tale for the digital age, shedding light on the dark world of online romance scams and the fragile humanity behind them. It is also a story of family, resilience, and the long, difficult road toward healing.

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where online scams are so prevalent, this book highlights the naked truth of the legal struggles of protecting your loved ones. It also displays just how vulnerable people can be when it comes to scams!
A must read !

[Madison Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing Margaret is a moving and thought-provoking novel that explores the emotional and social consequences of romance scams. The story offers a heart-wrenching yet ultimately heartwarming journey that reveals how one deceptive relationship can completely alter not only a victim’s life, but also the lives of their family, colleagues, and community.
The book is filled with unexpected twists and turns, culminating in an ending that truly surprised me. It was an engaging and easy read that I found myself eager to pick up each night before bed.
A particularly valuable feature is the “Red Flags” section at the end of the book, which offers practical guidance on how to recognize and avoid romance scams. This addition strengthens the novel’s message by raising awareness and providing tools to help protect loved ones.
With romance scams on the rise, Losing Margaret is both an engaging narrative and an important resource. It sheds light on the emotional, financial, and psychological toll of these scams. Reminding readers of the profound effects that extend well beyond the victims themselves.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story losing Margaret is a must read!
Very beautifully written and easy to read. Mind-blowing that this is real life and someone’s true story. It hits close to home when this is so prevalent in society now, and has happened to people close to me. I will definitely recommend this book to others. A beautiful story filled with love and hope for our loved ones.

[Taylor Ducharme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a definite read!!!! I'm only halfway through this book however I can already tell you that it is a fantastic one. Knowing that this book is based off of someone's own true story just holds such a deeper meaning and a very valuable lesson that needs to be learnt by all. This book is so intriguing and each page just leaves you wanting to read chapter after chapter until you're finished. Compliment's to the author! This is really a fantastic, well written book.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing Margaret highlights a growing and alarming issue in today's society: the susceptibility of seniors to online scams and financial exploitation, especially when their judgment is impaired by cognitive decline. It is a poignant and eye-opening read that serves as a cautionary tale on aging, autonomy, and the many complexities of care in today’s world. A definite must-read for anyone with an elderly family member.

[Mark Ens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. This is happening to a friend of mine as well and it defies reason to think that people fall for this stuff. The resources in the back of the book will give other victims/families a place to get started.

[Lucy Scodellaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so in tune with what is happening today. A story of support and perseverance.

[Mark A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing Margaret by Katharine Tober struck a deep chord with me. As someone caring for a loved one facing age-related mental illness, I saw so much of my own experience reflected in these pages. The book tells the true and heartbreaking story of an elderly family member who loses $800,000 to romance scams while also struggling with the onset of mental decline.

What moved me most were the chapters dealing with the family’s interventions — the pain, frustration, and helplessness felt by those trying desperately to protect someone they love, only to be met with delusion and denial. Those scenes were both difficult and strangely comforting, reminding me that our family isn’t alone in this struggle.

Tober does more than tell a tragic story; she shines a light on an issue that’s far more common than many realize. The section at the end detailing the red flags of romance scams is invaluable — not only for preventing future heartbreak but also for helping victims understand that recovery and hope are possible.

This book is a must-read for anyone caring for aging parents or relatives, especially as more families face the emotional and financial fallout of scams and cognitive decline. Losing Margaret reminds us that compassion, awareness, and shared stories are some of the best tools we have in protecting and understanding our loved ones.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Story That Could Be Anyone’s—And Everyone Should Read It”

Losing Margaret is a hauntingly beautiful and brutally honest account of one woman’s descent into the world of online romance scams. What makes this book so unforgettable is its authenticity—every moment is steeped in raw emotion, and every chapter reveals the devastating consequences of misplaced trust.

The writing is exceptional, capturing not only the heartbreak of loss and betrayal but also the fierce love and determination of family members trying to protect someone they cherish. It’s a story that unfolds with grace and grit, never shying away from the painful truths of mental decline, manipulation, and the limitations of the systems meant to help.

What sets this book apart is its purpose. Beyond the narrative, it offers a powerful resource: a comprehensive guide to recognizing the warning signs of online scams and taking action. It’s a lifeline for families, caregivers, and anyone who’s ever worried about a loved one’s vulnerability.
This is more than a memoir—it’s a mission. I urge everyone to read Losing Margaret, not just for its compelling story, but for the awareness it brings to a growing crisis that too often goes unnoticed.

[Elizabeth Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heart wrenching story! It is going to stay with me for a long time. On one hand it was such a relatable story; just a mom with a career trying to care for an elder. But then on the other hand it was mind blowing what this normal mom had to deal with while police, doctors and lawyers seemed to need things to get REALLY bad before they could do anything. Its just so its just so daunting and overwhelming. I feel so much better equipped to step in early and with an action plan if any of my loved ones ever succumb to this type of scam, which seems to be a real possibility! Im glad I have the amazing resources at the end of the book to draw on if I ever need them. Honestly, such a great read. A beautiful story full of love and lots of ups and downs and unfortunately, tragedy and loss - but I am mostly glad I didn't wait until Im faced with this issue before picking it up.

[Carly Rowntree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly captivating from start to finish. It grabbed my attention immediately and never let go, weaving a compelling narrative that was both emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging. The author highlights the dangers and inadequacies of systems designed to protect our loved ones. What’s meant to be a safety net often becomes a maze of red tape, slowing down urgent action and creating frustrating barriers for families trying to do the right thing.

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is its use of real-life excerpts and examples. This story shed light on the subtle and insidious ways scams target vulnerable seniors, offering practical insights into what to watch for and how to respond. The book educates, warns, and empowers.

[Samantha Moreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing Margaret is a beautifully written, emotionally charged story about love, grief, and rediscovery. The author is deliberate, allowing space for reflection. The prose is tender and introspective, filled with small details that make the characters feel real and lived-in. It doesn’t shy away from the painful sides of loss, but it also offers moments of hope and gentle humor that keep it from being too heavy.

By the end, Losing Margaret leaves you with a hope and a quiet sense of peace. It reminds you that even after loss, there can still be love, growth, and light.

[Julie Mangiacasale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more than a cautionary tale; it’s a wake-up call. A must-read for every generation, it opens our eyes to the realities of digital exploitation and reminds us of the crucial need for awareness, compassion, and advocacy. You’ll walk away informed, deeply moved, and empowered to protect those you love.

[Sandra Valente · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ! I could not put it down! Such an emotional book...you feel for everyone involved. It highlights the reality of deception on the internet and the need for awareness. I highly recommend this book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!