A Pennsylvania woman stands accused of fabricating a terminal brain cancer diagnosis to swindle family members and friends out of thousands of dollars.
Vanessa O’Rourke, 37, faces 15 counts of wire fraud following an indictment in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She is currently being sought by the FBI.
Authorities say O’Rourke told family and friends she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma and needed financial assistance to cover her medical treatments.
For months, investigators say, O’Rourke also told those close to her that she needed to travel to Australia for an experimental cancer treatment. Her family and others provided the funds, and in April 2016, O’Rourke made the trip.
During her time abroad, officials say she engaged in various leisure activities and received no medical treatment whatsoever.
Upon returning to the United States, O’Rourke then asked friends and family to organize two fundraisers on her behalf, according to authorities.
A webpage was created and a benefit event was held at a local Pennsylvania restaurant. Both efforts drew numerous donations intended to fund her alleged cancer treatment, officials said.
O’Rourke then reportedly used those funds to make a second trip to Australia in 2016, where she again engaged in leisure activities and received no medical treatment, authorities said.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for O’Rourke on May 3, 2018. She remains at large.
If you have any information regarding O’Rourke, you are urged to contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
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