MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public after deputies say a woman used a fake domestic violence story to scam a disabled victim out of more than $2,000 through Facebook Dating.
Investigators identified the suspect as Gianna Abel-Venezia.
According to the sheriff’s office, Abel-Venezia met the victim through Facebook Dating and began communicating with him by phone. Deputies said she claimed she was trapped in a domestic violence relationship and needed money to escape.
To support the story, investigators said she sent photographs appearing to show injuries.
Believing she was in danger, the victim sent her money. Authorities said the requests continued over time, and the victim ultimately sent more than $2,000.
When the victim later confronted Abel-Venezia after realizing he had allegedly been deceived, investigators said she admitted she had only spoken to him for money and because he was disabled.
According to deputies, Abel-Venezia allegedly told the victim she had been running similar scams since 2025 and claimed “there ain’t nun that can happen.”
During an interview with Detective Bradish, Abel-Venezia reportedly continued defending her actions, allegedly telling investigators that if someone was “dumb enough” to send money, that was their fault.
Deputies said she acknowledged what she did was “technically wrong” and asked detectives to apologize to the victim on her behalf.
The sheriff’s office said Detective Bradish believes there may be additional victims connected to similar stories involving domestic violence or sex trafficking claims.
Authorities are asking anyone who believes they were victimized by Abel-Venezia and lives within Marion County jurisdiction to contact Detective Bradish at 352-402-6022 and reference case number MCSO26OFF9638.
Residents outside Marion County are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.