Bilked out of $150,000, a Syracuse woman is hoping local law enforcement can help her get some of her money back and prevent others from being scammed like she was.
Patricia Pomroy, 60, on June 28 reported that she had wired more than $100,000 to a man she “met” online. Although the man said his name was John Tony Hagen, and the circumstances as to why Pomroy was sending money were not disclosed, she told authorities when she sent the money, it was to Jacob Adewale Abiola. The woman admitted she never met Abiola in person.
Pomroy kept receipts and other documentation regarding the accounts and handed all of that over to detectives of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, who continue to investigate. Police say the woman sent closer to $150,000 to the man.
Police warn citizens to never send money to someone you do not know. “If you have been approached by someone asking you to transfer money for them, delete the email, throw away the letter or say no,” offers ScamWatch.com. “Ask yourself — why would anyone want to pay someone that they do not know to transfer so much money?”