The Deceptive Scheme of the Dating App Man
According to court documents, the defendant, identified as 45-year-old Brandon Dae Up Kiehm, used a sophisticated web of lies to ensnare the victim. He reportedly posed as a successful “Stanford-educated finance professional” named Dae Up Lee Kim. After moving into her apartment, he convinced her that they were building a future together. This emotional manipulation paved the way for the massive financial theft.
The scam reached its peak when Kiehm convinced the woman they were buying a home together. He fabricated details about a real estate auction for a property on Decatur Street. To “secure” the home, he instructed her to send multiple wire transfers and cashier’s checks. By the time the victim realized the truth, she was a Woman Mulcted in $272,000 Romance Scam, with her money allegedly funneled into accounts controlled by Kiehm and an associate.
Rising Romance Scam Statistics in 2025
This case is a grim reminder of a growing national trend. Recent 2025 reports from the FTC indicate that romance scams have reached epidemic levels. Last year alone, Americans lost over $1.3 billion to these digital predators. Furthermore, the median loss for victims has jumped significantly, with many individuals over 40 being targeted for their retirement savings and home equity.
“Romance scams are all too common, and our office is here to prosecute egregious conduct like this,” stated D.A. Bragg during the announcement. Transitioning from love to litigation, the victim eventually discovered Kiehm’s true identity after finding multiple fake ID cards in their shared home. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Kiehm now faces a charge of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.
Protecting Yourself from Online Dating Fraud
To avoid becoming another Woman Mulcted in $272,000 Romance Scam, experts urge users to stay vigilant. Always verify a partner’s identity through independent sources and never send money for large purchases, like real estate, to someone you met online without legal representation. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is a sophisticated trap designed to drain your bank account.
