Christina LaBarbiera, a realtor affiliated with Christie’s International in Bergen County, New Jersey, has taken legal action against her former partner, Rob Harris, accusing him of deceiving her and causing her a financial loss exceeding $70,000. Despite the lawsuit, Harris has not provided a response to either LaBarbiera or The Post. The detailed account of her experience is shared with Jeanette Settembre.
Initially, Rob Harris appeared to be the ideal companion, but he eventually manipulated me into parting with $71,640, which constituted my entire life savings. Consequently, I have initiated legal proceedings against him for perpetrating fraud.
Our relationship commenced when I encountered Rob Harris on the dating platform Hinge. Last April, his charismatic and affectionate demeanor captivated me.
Rob Harris, a 30-year-old real estate agent with striking blue eyes, was the individual I connected with on Hinge. Despite his employment at Real Brokerage in New Jersey, I later discovered that he was allegedly residing with his ex-partner in New Jersey, concocted a false arrest scenario to extort $12,000 from me, and subsequently relocated to Miami. These revelations prompted me to involve law enforcement in October. (Image: Stefan Jeremiah for New York Post)
He shared similarities with me, being a real estate agent hailing from New Jersey. His humorous and witty nature, coupled with our shared interests and banter, fostered a sense of connection. He exuded charm, possessed a fondness for dogs, and exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit.
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Our initial interaction on Hinge was sparked by his intriguing statement: “I’ll fall in love with you if you make me laugh.” I promptly responded, assuring him that humor would not be lacking in our exchanges. Subsequently, I shared my contact information, paving the way for further conversations.
The rapport between us was immediate, leading to discussions about relocating to Miami and considering a joint investment in a condominium.
Engrossed in continuous and engaging dialogue throughout the day, our conversations ranged from our professional real estate endeavors to lighthearted topics such as reminiscing about “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Prior to delving deeper, I conducted a background check to verify his real estate credentials, which proved to be legitimate.
He confided personal struggles, revealing, “About a year ago, I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by a thickened heart wall. Some days, I experience extreme fatigue despite minimal physical exertion, with my heart rate soaring to 150 beats per minute.”
Drawing parallels to my own familial encounters with similar health challenges, I empathized with his situation rather than allowing it to deter our budding connection.
Rob Harris disclosed his altruistic endeavors, including assisting his mother with mortgage payments and shouldering responsibilities during his stepfather’s critical back surgery. His commitment to familial obligations resonated with me, reflecting his integrity and reliability.
We arranged to meet in person, with him planning to drive into the city. However, at 7 p.m. on the scheduled day, I received an audio message citing a family emergency concerning his stepfather’s well-being at the hospital. Despite the abrupt cancellation, he expressed hope for a future together, mitigating any potential resentment on my part.
Given my own family’s encounters with serious illnesses, notably my mother’s trilateral battle with breast cancer, kidney cancer, and bone marrow cancer within a brief timeframe, I harbored a deep understanding of life’s unexpected challenges. This shared vulnerability facilitated a profound emotional connection between us.
Amidst the initial stages of our relationship, no discernible warning signs surfaced. His courteous gesture of opening the car door of his Tesla Model 3 during our first date at Catch Steak in Chelsea left a lasting impression. His affable demeanor, sartorial elegance, and engaging conversational skills further reinforced my positive perception of him.
Our interactions culminated in our inaugural date in May, characterized by his chivalrous demeanor, impeccable attire comprising a black T-shirt and gray jeans accentuated by a designer watch, and an enriching exchange of dialogue. His physical presence resonated with the charm and wit exhibited in our prior communications, solidifying my admiration for him.
During our rendezvous, he broached the topic of relocating to Florida by October, inquiring about my willingness to embark on this journey together. Serendipitously, my familial ties and ongoing pursuit of a Florida real estate license aligned with his aspirations, fostering a sense of synchronicity and shared goals.
Our initial kiss sparked a palpable connection, with our conversations extending until the early hours of the morning. In a heartfelt audio message, he professed, “I believe I have encountered the love of my life.”
The subsequent month saw us attending his friend’s birthday celebration, where an unexpected deviation from the original plan underscored his desire for exclusive and private interactions, devoid of social media scrutiny. His rationale, emphasizing the preservation of privacy to safeguard our relationship, hinted at a deeper commitment on his part.
On August 10, a peculiar request surfaced as he urged me to transfer $501 via Venmo for a purported trial transaction, promising prompt reimbursement. This seemingly innocuous gesture marked the prelude to a series of escalating financial solicitations.
Our joint venture to Miami materialized shortly thereafter, with our accommodation at the W Hotel in Brickell coinciding with our pursuit of Florida real estate licenses. Amidst discussions of a shared future and property investments in Aventura, Florida, his narrative of fortifying his real estate network in Miami gradually intertwined with requests for financial support.
Subsequent requests for monetary contributions, including $1,310 for a yacht charter and dining expenses aimed at expanding his real estate outreach in Miami, gradually escalated. His explanations, albeit plausible in the context of business investments, began to raise concerns as the cumulative financial burden mounted.
A substantial request for $5,000 to secure an Airbnb, accompanied by assurances of repayment and a demonstration of financial capacity, further strained my financial resources. His reassurance of forthcoming cash repayments failed to assuage my mounting apprehensions regarding the veracity of his intentions.
The revelation of co-ownership of a property with his ex-partner, marred by legal entanglements and impending police intervention, shattered the facade of trust and reliability he had meticulously crafted. A last-minute plea for $12,000 under the guise of bail payment following a fictitious arrest further exposed the extent of his deception and financial exploitation.
Subsequent investigations revealed the absence of any legal repercussions or arrests, with the misappropriated funds purportedly channeled towards the Airbnb expenses. Prompt legal recourse in October unveiled the gravity of the situation, characterized by instances of credit card fraud and financial misconduct.
Efforts to serve him with legal documentation unveiled his clandestine cohabitation with another individual in New Jersey, casting doubts on his purported relocation to Miami. This unsettling revelation, coupled with parallels drawn to infamous cases of fraudulent romantic entanglements, underscored the intricate web of deceit woven by individuals like Rob Harris.
Reflecting on this tumultuous experience, I approach future relationships with heightened caution and discernment. Preferring organic interactions facilitated through mutual connections, I remain vigilant against potential red flags and deceptive overtures, drawing parallels to cautionary tales of exploitation and manipulation.
The narrative of the “Tinder Swindler,” Simon Leviev, whose exploits mirrored the deceptive tactics employed by individuals like Rob Harris, serves as a poignant reminder of the perils lurking in the realm of online dating. The urgency and fabricated crises orchestrated to solicit financial assistance echo the manipulative patterns observed in such elaborate schemes, highlighting the need for vigilance and skepticism in navigating romantic encounters.