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Two women have been charged in years-long "romance schemes" that defrauded elderly men of more than $7 million, federal prosecutors in Manhattan announced on Saturday, June 6.

Lisa Stanley and Gina Guy allegedly defrauded at least 16 victims between 2009 and their arrest this year, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of New York.

A release from the U.S. Attorney’s office stated that Stanley and Guy were arrested on June 25 in North Miami Beach, Florida, and New York City, respectively.

The complaint detailed how Stanley and Guy lured their elderly victims into "purported romantic or close personal relationships through in-person meetings, phone calls, text messages, and an online dating platform." Once they earned their victims' trust, the women convinced them to send money "under false pretenses," citing needs such as fake businesses and organ transplants.

Both women face charges of money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy, each carrying a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

"As alleged, Rosanna Lisa Stanley and Gina Guy callously defrauded elderly victims who were simply looking for companionship," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. "They allegedly used the millions of dollars in fraud proceeds to lead lives of luxury at their victims’ expense. As today’s arrests demonstrate, perpetrators of romance scams will be held to account for their crimes."

In one instance, Stanley connected with an "elderly male" victim who believed he was in an "exclusive, romantic relationship" with her. She repeatedly requested money for rent and living expenses, which the victim provided. Stanley eventually obtained the victim's credit card credentials and racked up thousands in charges. She also convinced him to wire $220,000 for a purported catering business, which she used to pay off loans for her boat and luxury car.

Prosecutors also allege that Stanley conned another victim out of approximately $1,000,000 by pretending to be a psychic who claimed his money was "tainted with bad influences." She promised to "untaint" and "protect" his money, convincing him to wire more funds over time.

Guy defrauded four elderly male victims of at least $908,000 by claiming she needed money for medical procedures, including kidney transplants, but instead spent the funds on luxury goods and personal expenses. She also convinced one victim to send her $708,000 to "help him move his money to another bank that offered higher interest rates."

Together, Guy and Stanley convinced another victim to send thousands of dollars for a loan to buy a dressmaking business in New York City.

"Gina Guy and Rosanna Lisa Stanley allegedly took advantage of innocent individuals seeking companionship and exploited them for their own benefit," said FBI Assistant Director James Smith. "Collecting millions of dollars from their victims, the perpetrators allegedly gained and betrayed the trust of primarily elderly individuals to fund their luxury purchases."