Second Woman Claims Love Scam Victimization by Suspect Thiago Boch
A 39-year-old pharmaceutical professional from Guarulhos, São Paulo, has come forward as another alleged victim of Thiago Cristiano Boch, 38, who is under investigation in Franca, São Paulo, for fraud. The woman revealed that she was in a six-month relationship with Boch from October 2024 to April 2025, during which she lost approximately R$ 20,000. These losses stemmed from unauthorized credit card purchases and the negotiation of an electric motorcycle. Boch allegedly simulated a romantic relationship to exploit his partners, making them feel responsible for his financial problems by claiming to have a restricted name and being on the verge of homelessness. The couple met on a dating app, and Boch posed as an employee of a luxury restaurant chain. The pharmaceutical worker's decision to speak out followed a report by a 36-year-old laboratory assistant in Franca who lost R$ 15,000 to Boch. Evidence, including text messages, shows Boch convincing the pharmaceutical worker to use her card to purchase an electric motorcycle from a colleague, a transaction that resulted in the money being withdrawn without the motorcycle being delivered. She discovered the deception when Boch failed to provide updates and was later informed by his colleague that the motorcycle had not been transferred. Boch allegedly threatened the colleague who confirmed the non-delivery by sending a picture of a gun and a message warning against speaking too much. Boch, originally from Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, has legal entanglements in at least four states—São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, and Paraíba—related to love scams, receiving stolen goods, and counterfeit currency. The pharmaceutical worker has filed a police report for fraud, and her case has been submitted to the judiciary. Boch's defense could not be reached for comment.
This case highlights the evolving tactics of romance scams, where perpetrators leverage emotional manipulation and fabricated financial distress to exploit victims. The alleged actions of Thiago Cristiano Boch, as described by two accusers, suggest a pattern of behavior designed to create dependency and guilt, making victims more susceptible to financial demands. The alleged threats against a witness introduce a concerning escalation, indicating a potential disregard for legal repercussions. Examining the systemic vulnerabilities exploited, such as the reliance on online dating platforms and the psychological impact of perceived romantic connection, is crucial. Future prevention strategies may need to focus on digital literacy regarding online relationships and financial transactions, alongside robust legal frameworks to address sophisticated fraud schemes that prey on trust.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.