PENNSYLVANIA – Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a reported romance and catfish fraud in which a 63-year-old Lebanon County woman allegedly lost approximately $384,000 and hundreds of Apple gift cards.
State Trooper Ethan Brownback says the victim and the suspect met on TikTok and then moved their conversations primarily to the app Telegram.
According to Brownback, the scammer posed as an up-and-coming country music star and requested funds from the woman to further his career.
The two met online in February 2026.
Police say the scammer repeatedly told the woman not to tell her family about their relationship, but the scam was ultimately discovered by her children.
State troopers say they are reviewing financial records and transactions to confirm the exact amount of the victim’s losses and identify accounts and individuals associated with the scheme.
Police warn that scammers frequently use messaging applications such as Telegram to communicate with potential victims because these platforms allow them to quickly create accounts, reach large numbers of people, and communicate with victims outside of traditional social media or email platforms.
The Pennsylvania State Police share tips on how to avoid scams, encouraging the public to:
Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or financial information to someone you only know online.
Never send gift card security codes or make wire transfers or withdrawals at the direction of an online romantic partner.
Be suspicious of anyone claiming to be a celebrity, musician, military member, or other professional who cannot meet in person or repeatedly asks for money.
Never provide passwords, Social Security numbers, bank information, or verification codes to an online contact.
Talk to family or a trusted friend before sending money to someone you met online.
Remember that social-media profiles, photos, videos, and even video calls do not prove someone is who they claim to be.