Local woman: 'Playboy Conman' wanted my 401-K for his music studio

Scott Campbell using online dating to woo investors to back his "dream"

ORLANDO, Fla. – Online dating seemed like a great way to meet someone after a divorce so when "Mary James" (not her real name) met a guy named Scott online she thought nothing of it when he asked where she lived.

"The first day he was at my house we went on the back porch and just talked," James said. "He was asking me about my 401-K and he was like, 'Do you know how much you have?'"

The two had been texting and talking on the phone for a few weeks before that meeting.

He claimed to be a record producer, affluent, with a yacht and a project "bigger than American Idol and X-Factor combined."

When he arrived at her home she said he backed a black late model Mercedes into her driveway. Mary said the car was impressive yet in all their time together he never paid for anything.

She said it seemed like he was more interested in her retirement account than a relationship.

It turns out Scott is Scott Campbell, the so called "Playboy Conman." Local 6 first exposed his alleged dating for dollars scheme last year.

Campbell, who has been living in Kissimmee, has a legacy of alleged financial schemes with women dating back nearly 10 years.

Last year, his past caught up with him. Campbell was arrested, booked and charged with stealing at least $1.5 million from 22 Florida women who all dated Campbell and believed his entertainment project would be their golden ticket.

In Mary's case she says Campbell claimed she "…Wouldn't have to work again, and whatever he touches makes money."

Campbell has declined an interview with Local 6 but in voice messages to the women who have filed charges against him he has been defiant. In one message he says: "If you think I'm going to run now you must be crazy this is my company and my idea and my dream."

Palm Coast attorney Marc Dwyer is representing Campbell. He said there is nothing sinister about his client's entertainment company.

"I've seen no facts that substantiate that he's a conman and not a businessman," Dwyer said.

Dwyer declined to comment on Campbell's pursuit of investors on a dating service.

"My job isn't to comment on his personal life and what he's doing as far as dating," Dwyer said. "My job is that he will have his day in court and he will."

State investigators say the women who have filed charges against Campbell claim to have handed over money from savings, retirement and home equity accounts.

Mary said he claimed to be building a studio and was hoping to celebrate the opening on New Year's Eve.

The two-story building is in a residential area in Osceola County, but the county permits make no mention of a commercial recording studio. ClickOrlando.com/Local 6 found a listing for a game room and second floor storage.

The county has been made aware of the issue.

Campbell's trial has been set for February.

**Names have been changed


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