Facebook 'friend' bilks elderly woman out of life savings
The Associated Press
First posted: Wednesday, May 04, 2016 11:06 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, May 04, 2016 11:30 AM EDT
In this May 10, 2012 file photo, an Apple iPhone displaying the Facebook app's splash screen is pictured in front of the login page on a computer in Washington, DC. (AFP PHOTO/KAREN BLEIER)
WASHINGTON, Pa. -- State police say an elderly Pennsylvania woman's Facebook "friend" stole her $78,000 life savings by convincing the woman they needed the money to import BMWs into the United States.
The unknown friend, who troopers from the Washington, Pa., barracks are still trying to track down, told the woman the money was needed to pay "port fees" and that she'd get her money back with interest.
Police say the scam started in August and continued until late last year, but the woman only recently reported the losses because she was embarrassed.
Trooper Thomas Kress tells the (Washington) Observer-Reporter that police are trying to track down the money which may have been sent to banks in California, Florida or Texas. The victim also told police she wired money to India.
