Hailey
What started as a hopeful search for love turned into a devastating financial and emotional ordeal for a Wichita woman.
Trisha, who had recently relocated to Wichita in mid-2022, was looking to build a meaningful relationship.
Her experience on a dating platform led her into the web of an alleged scammer, Frank Annin, who is now facing trial for deceiving multiple women and stealing thousands of dollars.
A New Start and an Online Connection
In June 2022, Trisha was adjusting to her new life in Wichita and turned to eHarmony, a dating website, in search of companionship.
That’s where she encountered Frank Annin, who appeared genuine and trustworthy at first. With no immediate red flags, she felt comfortable engaging with him.
Soon after their match, Annin encouraged Trisha to move the conversation off the dating platform and onto direct text messaging. Looking back, she now sees this shift as the first warning sign.
“He seemed incredibly understanding and kind,” Trisha said, reflecting on her early conversations with Annin.
From Charm to Cash Requests
The tone of their communication changed swiftly. It wasn’t long before Annin began asking for money under various pretenses. One significant request involved a fabricated story about needing funds to leave work early.
“He claimed he had to pay a coworker $7,000 to take over his shift,” Trisha recalled.
Although she had growing doubts, Trisha tried to believe in the relationship. Still, her instincts began signaling trouble. She reached out to a shipping company Annin had mentioned—Transatlantic Air and Ocean—only to discover that no one there had ever heard of him.
“I asked him directly why the man at the company denied knowing his name,” she testified.
Red Flags Multiply and Legal Defense Questions Delay
Trisha’s concern continued to build, especially as the financial demands escalated. The tipping point came when she attempted to wire $15,000.
Staff at Emprise Bank intervened, identifying potential fraud and deciding to close her account to prevent further loss.
“I was contacted by someone in the fraud department. She told me she believed it was a scam and was rejecting the transfer,” Trisha said.
Meanwhile, Annin’s defense team suggested that Trisha had been too slow to act, pointing out that she waited until late September before taking any formal action against the alleged scam.
Final Blow: Silence from the Suspect
Trisha testified that Annin’s demeanor began to shift once he sensed she was uncovering the truth. He insisted he would never lie, claiming, “I don’t even know how to lie.” But shortly after being questioned about the inconsistencies, he cut off all communication.
Feeling emotionally shattered and financially deceived, Trisha has now turned to the legal system in hopes of getting justice—not only for herself but also for other women who may have been similarly manipulated.
Ongoing Trial and More Victims Expected to Testify
The case against Frank Annin is being heard at the Sedgwick County Courthouse. As proceedings continue, more alleged victims are expected to share their experiences, possibly revealing a wider pattern of fraud.
The trial is ongoing, with testimonies scheduled to resume on Wednesday, offering further insight into how Annin allegedly exploited the trust of vulnerable individuals for personal gain.
Trisha’s heartbreaking experience is a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk behind a charming profile on a dating app.
Her courage in coming forward sheds light on how scammers manipulate emotions to commit fraud. As the trial against Frank Annin continues, her story may help others recognize red flags and avoid falling victim to similar schemes.