Photos of Vanessa O”Rourke, wanted on federal charges (FBI).
In a shocking case of alleged deceit, a woman from Pennsylvania is accused of faking a cancer diagnosis to secure funds from her unsuspecting community, which she then allegedly used for overseas vacations.
Vanessa O’Rourke, reportedly in her late 30s, is currently sought by the FBI on charges of wire fraud. According to federal authorities, O’Rourke fabricated a story about battling glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer, to solicit financial support. She convinced friends, family, and community members to contribute funds under the pretense of undergoing experimental treatments in Australia.
However, the FBI has revealed that O’Rourke never had brain cancer. Instead, she did indeed travel to Australia, but reportedly for leisure rather than medical purposes.
The alleged deception began in October 2015 when O’Rourke first informed her acquaintances of her supposed cancer diagnosis, claiming she needed to gather funds for a purported experimental treatment in Australia. This charade continued until July 2016, with O’Rourke traveling to Australia that spring. The FBI asserts that during her stay in April 2016, she participated in various recreational activities and did not seek any medical intervention.
Authorities further claim that O’Rourke made a second trip to Australia, where she once again indulged in a holiday rather than the alleged medical treatments.
Upon returning to Harleysville, Pennsylvania, O’Rourke allegedly persuaded her community to organize two fundraising events “on her behalf.” As reported by NBC affiliate WGAL, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated, raising nearly $12,000 from over 140 donors. Additionally, a local restaurant hosted an in-person fundraising event to support her.
O’Rourke was busted in May 2018, when she was charged with 15 federal counts of wire fraud out of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. WGAL reported that authorities believe O’Rourke is out of the country and most likely in Australia.
The FBI is asking anyone with information about O’Rourke to contact one of its field offices or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
