Oil Rig Romance Scam Exposed: Scammers Stole Village People's Cowboy Photos to Trick Victims

In recent years, romance scams have caused massive losses, with reported figures reaching $1.3 billion in 2022 and continuing high into 2025-2026 (per FTC reports). One common tactic? Fake "lonely oil rig workers" who build trust before asking for money.

This undercover investigation reveals how these scams work, including the shocking use of stolen photos from Jim Newman, the former Cowboy in the Village People.

Top 5 Oil Rig Scam Red Flags

1. Stolen photos from real people (often celebrities or performers).
2. Excuses for no video calls (like "oil rig safety rules").
3. Rapid intimacy and promises of future plans without meeting.
4. Tragic personal stories to gain sympathy.
5. Requests for money due to "emergencies" or fees.

The Message That Started It All

It began with an unexpected message from "Derek Herman," posing as a Texas oil rig engineer working offshore. He claimed to be a widower raising a teenage son and looking for love.

The story seemed touching. The photos appeared genuine. The messages were full of affection.

But inconsistencies soon appeared.

The Shocking Reveal: A Reverse Image Search

One quick reverse image search uncovered the lie.

The photos belonged to Jim Newman, known as the Cowboy from the Village People.

Jim has no involvement in the scam and has dealt with photo theft for years.

They don’t think of me as a person any more than they think of these women as people," Jim said. "We’re all just a crop for them to harvest.

Undercover: Catfishing the Scammer

The interaction continued on purpose, to expose the scam fully and keep the fraudster occupied.

The Classic Oil Rig Romance Scam Playbook

"Derek" used a standard script common in these frauds:

1. Instant Intimacy
   Heavy compliments right from the start.

1. Sob Stories for Sympathy
   Tales of a lost wife and child in accidents.

1. Grand Future Plans
   Discussions of marriage and exotic trips, without ever meeting.

1. Constant Attention
   Daily messages asking about meals, feelings, and activities.
   This builds strong emotional attachment.

1. Platform Switch
   Moving to apps like Google Chat to juggle multiple victims.
   Many "sweet" messages were copied from generic love quote sites.

The Backstory Falls Apart

Claims included:

• Growing up in Houston
• Degree from University of Houston
• Job with ExxonMobil in the North Sea

Searches found no supporting records, plus glaring errors (like referencing schools built after his supposed graduation).

Key Insight: Scammers rely on vague, uncheckable details.

"No Video Calls": The Big Lie

Excuses involved fake "safety rules" requiring special cameras (not true).

Bogus photos were sent, showing impossible scenes on real rigs.

Once hooked emotionally, victims often overlook the flaws.

The Ask: When Romance Turns to Money

Weeks in, the demand came: Trapped on the rig without a $1,850 "family leave" fee through a fake site.

Links went to suspicious accounts. Various bank details emerged over time, all reported.

Pressure and Abuse

Refusals led to anger, threats, and pushes for financial info. A hallmark shift in scams.

Confrontation and Disappearance

Direct challenge about the stolen photos prompted rage, then blocking.

Real Victims: Heartbreak Beyond Money

People whose photos are stolen, like Jim, get blamed initially by deceived victims, who then face deep grief.

They’ll say, ‘I knew. I just didn’t want to know.’ Their lives are lonely, and that fantasy is powerful.

Effects include shame, depression, isolation, and huge financial hits.

Why Reverse Image Search Is Your Best Defense Against Oil Rig Scams

One of the most powerful tools to spot a romance scam instantly: Reverse image search the profile photos right away even before you say "hi".

Scammers particularly love to steal photos of older, handsome gentlemen – mature, attractive men with kind smiles and distinguished looks (often featuring gray hair, beards, cowboy hats, or professional uniforms). These images project trustworthiness, stability, and charm, making it easier to build emotional connections with victims.

In this case a simple reverse image search using FaceCheck.ID immediately revealed the truth.

Here's a real-world example of what those results look like when searching the photo in question:

What These Results Tell You – Major Red Flags

• Dozens of social media profiles with different names: This is a huge tell-tale sign of a scam. Legitimate people don't have 30+ accounts across platforms all claiming to be different individuals.
• Scam Alerts and Reports: Photo is often found on websites that specialize in tracking photos used in romance frauds. FaceCheck.ID helps you uncover those instantly.
• Reveals the real identity: Matches lead back to the actual person – in this case, a musician with no connection to oil rigs or the backstory provided.

Rule of thumb: If a reverse image search shows the same photo tied to many different social media profiles with varying names, jobs, or stories – or linked to scam warnings – it's almost certainly fraud. This takes just seconds and is the fastest way to protect yourself.

Make reverse image searching a habit for every new online connection!

Protect Yourself From Oil Rig Scams

1. Reverse image search photos right away – matches elsewhere mean scam.
2. Check profile age and history.
3. Never send money to anyone unmet in person – no exceptions.
4. Doubt video call excuses, especially job-based.
5. Trust your gut – if it feels wrong, stop.
6. Report scams:

• FBI IC3: https://www.ic3.gov
• FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
• The platform used

Reporting helps stop scammers and protect others.

Know someone at risk? Share this article today – it could save them from heartbreak.

(Updated 2026 with latest scam trends)

Author Siti Hasan

Siti is an expert tech author that writes for the FaceCheck.ID blog and is enthusiastic about advancing FaceCheck.ID's goal of making the internet safer for all.

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