Man Indicted In $1M Online Romance Scam
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland man has been indicted on federal charges of defrauding elderly people on online dating services of more than $1 million by pretending to be romantically interested in them.
The 11-count indictment charges 32-year-old Krist Koranteng, who has addresses in Burtonsville and Laurel, with conspiracy, mail fraud and wire fraud. The indictment was returned Aug. 11, and unsealed Thursday, when Koranteng was arrested.
The indictment alleges that Koranteng and others searched online dating sites for elderly men and women and initiated romantic relationships with them.
Prosecutors say Koranteng and others used false stories and promises to convince the victims to give money via checks and wire transfer.
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