Maryland Man Convicted in $600,000 ‘Internet Romance Scheme’

A Silver Spring, Maryland was convicted this week after using online dating sites to commit fraud, earning more than $600,000 over two years.

Evans Appiah, 27, was charged with mail and wire fraud, conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in what authorities say was an “Internet romance scheme” involving at least seven men and women, according to the Washington Post.

Over six days, prosecutors presented evidence that Appiah and his associates sold “false stories and promises to convince the victims to send them money,” according to a statement from Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

Four victims testified against Appiah, including a recently divorced high school guidance counselor who said she paid $160,000 to Appiah, who told her the funds were for emergency travel and health situations.

The scheme ran from December 2013 to June 2015, according to the Post report.