Online romance scam costs Wilkes Barre woman thousands over yearlong deception
Wilkes-Barre, PA – What began as a simple social media connection quietly turned into a costly deception that left a 67-year-old woman out thousands of dollars after a man she believed she was building a relationship with vanished without a trace.
The incident was reported to officers Tuesday evening around 7:00 p.m. along North River Street. The victim told investigators she had been communicating for nearly a year with a man who identified himself as John Morgan after accepting his friend request online.
According to the report, the man cultivated an ongoing relationship with the victim and gradually convinced her to send him Visa gift cards. Over time, the cards totaled approximately $13,000. The victim said the suspect promised to meet her in person, pick her up from a predetermined location, and provide housing.
After requesting additional gift cards, the suspect stopped responding to messages and never arrived at the agreed-upon location. The victim then contacted police after realizing she had been scammed.
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The incident is being investigated as theft by deception under IRC number 260024110. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to identify the suspect and determine whether additional victims may be involved.
Key Points
- A 67-year-old Wilkes-Barre woman reported losing about $13,000 in an online scam
- The suspect allegedly used a fake identity and promised housing and a meeting
- The investigation into the theft by deception remains ongoing
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