FBI most wanted: Vanessa O’Rourke allegedly faked cancer diagnosis in $140k scam, travelled to Australia
A woman who allegedly faked a brain cancer diagnosis and scammed family members out of more than $140,200 to travel to Australia has reportedly been on the run for more than a decade.
A woman who allegedly faked a brain cancer diagnosis to scam family members out of more than $US100,000 ($140,200) to travel to Australia is wanted by the FBI.
American woman Vanessa O’Rourke has been on the run for almost a decade and was last known to be residing in Queensland.
The 38-year-old is wanted by the FBI for fraud.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In 2015, she told family and friends that she had glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer, despite not being unwell.
Glioblastoma is a common and aggressive cancer with a five year survival rate of less than five per cent.
In order to treat the purported disease, Ms O’Rourke said she needed to travel to Australia for experimental treatment.
On May 23, the FBI said Ms O’Rourke travelled to Australia in early to mid-2016, “where she engaged in a variety of leisure activities and did not receive any medical treatment”.
“Through her false and fraudulent pretences, her family and others provided money and support,” the FBI said.
Upon her return, the FBI allege that Ms O’Rourke had her family and friends launch two fundraisers, including a GoFundMe, to support her “non-existent illness” and return to Australia for treatment.
A 2020 report from local media Penn Live said Ms O’Rourke had received donations from more than 140 people, amounting to more than $US11,700 ($16,400).
In addition to the funds raised through GoFundMe, local newspaper The Morning Call said there were community fundraisers, including a “beef and beer dinner” at a local restaurant.
They reported that the total amount raised by Ms O’Rourke was more than $US100,000.
The FBI believe she used those funds to travel to Australia again in 2016 for leisure and not medical treatment.
“The allegations in this case are nauseating,” U.S. Attorney William McSwain said in a statement to Penn Live.
“O’Rourke is charged with preying upon the kindness and generosity of good people who wished to help those in need.
“As alleged, there was no need here – only lies, greed and callous manipulation.”
A federal warrant has been out for her arrest since 2018, when she was indicted on 15 counts of wire fraud.
In 2020, Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, described Ms O’Rourke’s actions as “reprehensible”.
“Misleading people about a significant medical diagnosis in order to take advantage of their kind hearts and open wallets is reprehensible,” he said.
“As alleged, Vanessa O’Rourke scammed friends and family alike, convincing them to donate money towards her supposed medical care.
“Instead, those funds supported her lifestyle and leisure. When someone commits such financial fraud, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will work to hold them accountable.”
Ms O’Rourke is described as being 5’7” with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with any information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI or nearest US embassy.
