TL;DR: CBC News reported in August 2025 that Shawna Nelson, 63, of Calgary, sold the house her father left her, moved into a motel and sent about $380,000 in life savings over several years to “Gilbert”, who said he worked for the US government and could not show his face. They never met. She now lives in an elder abuse shelter run by Unison at Kerby Centre.
What happened
CBC News reports that Shawna Nelson, 63, had spent years caring for her father and grandmother. Her father willed her his house. She sold it and moved into a motel, expecting to join a man in the United States.
The man called himself “Gilbert”. He said he worked for the US government and could not show his face because of his job. He never sent a photo of himself, only a photo of the house they would supposedly share, which Nelson later said looked fake.
How the money went
- Gilbert first contacted her about five years earlier. About three years after that she began sending him money, planning a life together.
- CBC's headline says more than $300,000; the article body puts it at about $380,000 in life savings. The payment methods are not described.
- “I had been talking to a guy that said we're going to get together, and I kept sending him money,” she said.
When she stopped
Late in 2024 she questioned how often he asked for money and why he would not come to Calgary. She recognised the scam, reported it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and went to Unison at Kerby Centre. She has lived in its elder abuse shelter for about six months. Her only income is her pension, she is not eligible for some subsidised seniors' housing until she turns 65, and she struggles to find housing that accepts her two dogs and cat.
“People say, well, you shouldn't be so dumb to let somebody do that to you. But it happens,” she said.
What the experts say
Unison president and CEO Larry Mathieson said romance and grandparent scams are common among the seniors his organisation helps. CAFC outreach officer Jeff Horncastle said the CAFC gathers information and educates but does not investigate, “and that's why it's so important to report to your local police.” The CAFC recorded more than $58 million lost to romance scams by 1,030 victims in 2024. Read the latest romance scam statistics.
Red flags
- A partner who will not show his face, with a job that “explains” why.
- Years of contact with no meeting in person.
- Pressure to sell assets or move before you have ever met.
- Photos of a dream home that look staged or copied. A reverse image search can help.
Report to police and the CAFC, and check what strangers can find about you with our free email exposure check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Shawna Nelson lose?
About $380,000 in life savings according to the CBC article body; the headline says more than $300,000.
Did she ever meet “Gilbert”?
No. He said his US government job meant he could not show his face, and never sent a photo of himself.
Where is she now?
In the elder abuse shelter run by Unison at Kerby Centre in Calgary, living on her pension.
Does the CAFC investigate?
No. It gathers information and educates, so victims should also report to local police.
Sources
- CBC News: Romance scam costs Calgary woman over $300K (Aug 2025)
- Yahoo News Canada (CBC republished copy, Aug 3, 2025)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)