A Pennsylvania woman is on the run after federal authorities accused her of faking terminal brain cancer to scam her community out of thousands of dollars, which she then used to fund vacations to Australia.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently searching for Vanessa O’Rourke, who is believed to be in her late 30s. O’Rourke faces 15 federal counts of wire fraud out of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to federal investigators, O’Rourke’s alleged scheme began in October 2015 when she informed family and friends that she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She claimed she needed financial assistance to travel to Australia for an experimental medical treatment.
The FBI stated that the ruse continued until July 2016. During that time, O’Rourke traveled to Australia twice. However, authorities confirmed that she never had brain cancer and received no medical care while abroad. Instead, during her first trip in April 2016, “she engaged in a variety of leisure activities and did not receive any medical treatment,” the FBI said.
Upon returning to her home in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, O’Rourke allegedly convinced community members to organize two separate fundraisers for her. Local NBC affiliate WGAL reported that an online GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $12,000 from more than 140 individual donors. A second, in-person fundraiser was held at a local restaurant.
Federal prosecutors officially charged O’Rourke in May 2018. However, law enforcement officials believe she fled the United States before she could be apprehended. Investigators state she is most likely residing in Australia.
The FBI has asked anyone with information regarding O’Rourke’s current whereabouts to immediately contact a local FBI field office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
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