An American woman has defended her decision to send $1.42 million (£925,000) to a man she met on the internet.
In an episode of Dr. Phil, 46-year-old Sarah told the story of how she met a man, who calls himself Chris Olsen, 18 months ago. He told her he was in South Africa on a business trip before several things got in the way of his return to the US.
"He told me early on that he was a widower and that he had two daughters, and he was on a business trip in South Africa," she said. "He’s from Milan, Italy, and moved to the United States about 18 years ago."
Sarah was called to the show, titled "I Believe My Cousin is Squandering Her Inheritance on a Love Scam", by her cousin Crystal
Crystal was worried her cousin was squandering her vast inheritance money by sending it to a man she had never met, so she called on Phil McGraw to highlight how much she had lost.
Admitting she had sent "Chris" more than $1 million, Sarah said she honestly believes he will pay her back.
"If Sarah continues sending 'Chris' money, she’s going to have nothing left," Crystal said.
Sarah hasn't known love for years, since her second divorce, and says she's "95% certain" Chris isn't scamming her.
The lovelorn American has sent so much to Africa, money wiring service Western Union has cut her off and she now relies on the help of family to send the cash.
More than $400,000 has been sent on Sarah's behalf to different African countries.
Dr. Phil has now tracked down the man in the photographs of "Chris" and will reveal the truth in an upcoming episode.