Ep 3. Tallahassee Trap

In Dateline season 29 episode 3, titled "Tallahassee Trap", viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through the harrowing world of online dating scams. The episode takes place in Tallahassee, Florida, and follows the story of a single mother who believed she had found love on a popular dating website, only to discover that she was the victim of a sophisticated con artist.

As the episode begins, viewers are introduced to Theresa, a single mother who had been looking for a meaningful relationship for quite some time. When she met a man named Chris on a dating website, she felt like she had finally found someone who could be her partner for life. They hit it off immediately, and began talking on the phone for hours each day.

As the relationship progressed, Chris revealed that he was a successful businessman who frequently traveled overseas. Theresa was impressed by his wealth and sophistication, and felt lucky to have found someone like him. However, as time went on, Chris began asking for money from Theresa to help fund his business ventures abroad. He claimed that he was having financial difficulties and needed her help to keep his business afloat.

At first, Theresa was hesitant to send money to someone she had never met in person. But Chris was charming and persuasive, and convinced her that he was trustworthy and deserving of her help. Over the course of several months, Theresa sent Chris tens of thousands of dollars, believing that it was all going towards his business ventures.

However, as time went on and Chris continued to ask for more money, Theresa began to suspect that something was not right. She contacted the authorities and asked for their help in uncovering the truth about Chris. What she discovered was shocking - Chris was not a successful businessman, but a con artist who had been tricking women out of their money for years.

Through interviews with Theresa and law enforcement officials, viewers are taken on a suspenseful journey through the intricate world of online dating scams. They learn about the various tactics that con artists use to trick their victims, from using fake photos and identities to manipulating their emotions and creating false sense of trust.

The episode also offers viewers insights into the devastating impact that these scams can have on victims. For Theresa, the experience left her feeling violated and deeply hurt. She struggled to come to terms with the fact that the person she thought she had a connection with was really just a heartless criminal.

Overall, Dateline season 29 episode 3 is a compelling and informative exploration of the dangers of online dating scams. It offers viewers a window into the tactics used by con artists and the emotional toll that their actions can have on their victims. With its suspenseful storytelling and thought-provoking content, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.