A hacked email and a 'romance scam' helped thieves siphon US$13mil from US schools, officials say


In the second part of the scam, officials said, the thieves preyed on a recently widowed Florida woman through a fake e-Harmony online dating profile. — 123rf.com

International thieves siphoned US$13mil (RM58.29mil) in state aid from the Chester Upland School District last year in an intricate plot involving hacked emails, cryptocurrency, and a sham e-Harmony romance with a Florida widow, officials said Friday.

Following a "long and complex investigation," Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said that around US$10.3mil (RM46.19mil) of the missing state subsidy money had been recovered and returned to the school district.

Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read


All Headlines:

Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a member? Log In