Federal authorities are still searching for a former Pennsylvania woman accused of faking a terminal cancer diagnosis to collect thousands of dollars from friends, family and strangers.
Vanessa O’Rourke, 37, formerly of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, is wanted by the FBI after she was indicted on 15 counts of wire fraud in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The FBI announced on Saturday, May 23, that O’Rourke remains wanted. Authorities said she was last known to be living in Queensland, Australia.
According to investigators, O’Rourke allegedly told family and friends that she had been diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
She allegedly claimed she needed money for medical treatment and support while she was sick.
But federal authorities say it was all a lie.
Between October 2015 and July 2016, O’Rourke allegedly told loved ones she needed to travel to Australia for experimental treatment. Her family and others helped raise money for the trip, believing they were supporting her fight for survival.
Instead, the FBI alleges O’Rourke traveled to Australia in April 2016 and spent her time on leisure activities without receiving any medical treatment.
After returning to the United States, authorities say she had friends and family organize two fundraisers for her, including one online and another at a local restaurant in Pennsylvania.
More than 140 people donated a total of $11,740 through GoFundMe, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
In 2020, former U.S. Attorney William McSwain called the allegations “nauseating.”
“O’Rourke is charged with preying upon the kindness and generosity of good people who wished to help those in need,” McSwain said at the time. “As alleged, there was no need here — only lies, greed and callous manipulation.”
Michael J. Driscoll, then the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, also blasted the alleged scheme.
“Misleading people about a significant medical diagnosis in order to take advantage of their kind hearts and open wallets is reprehensible,” Driscoll said.
“As alleged, Vanessa O’Rourke scammed friends and family alike, convincing them to donate money toward her supposed medical care,” he continued. “Instead, those funds supported her lifestyle and leisure.”
A federal arrest warrant was issued for O’Rourke on May 3, 2018.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate.
For the people who believed they were helping a woman fight for her life, the case remains a shocking reminder of how generosity can be exploited by an alleged lie.
