PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY — Authorities have arrested a New Jersey couple for their involvement in an email scam that extorted $100,000 from a 74-year-old Tennessee man, ultimately leading to his death. Chinagorom Onwumere, 34, and Salma Abdalkareem, 27, were apprehended at their Piscataway residence, where evidence linking them to the crime was discovered.
The criminal complaint details the period between August 13 and October 23, during which Onwumere and Abdalkareem allegedly deceived the victim into sending substantial sums of money under false pretenses. The elaborate scam involved Abdalkareem posing as a famous actress and engaging the victim in a faux romantic correspondence. Onwumere then intervened, posing as an FBI agent, and coerced the victim into paying fines to avoid a fabricated sexual harassment lawsuit.
The scam escalated with the victim sending checks of $4,500 and $5,500, followed by two additional payments totaling $82,000. The total amount extorted exceeded $100,000.
The case took a tragic turn when the victim was found deceased in his home from a gunshot wound. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the matter after the victim’s family discovered the incriminating emails. Lt. Vince Walters of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office remarked on the victim’s fear and perceived obligation to comply with the scammer’s demands.
This incident has highlighted the growing concern over online scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.