Share and Follow
Minnesota fraud mastermind to face sentencing for $250 million scheme
During a segment on ‘Outnumbered,’ Emily Compagno and her panel delved into the Minnesota COVID fraud case, focusing on Aimee Bock’s impending sentencing for orchestrating a $250 million scheme. The conversation also brought to light allegations that state officials might have been aware of the fraud but were uncooperative with federal investigations. This has led to demands for accountability from prominent voices like Kayleigh McEnany and JD Vance.
A woman from Pennsylvania is now one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, accused of fabricating terminal brain cancer to swindle friends, family, and supporters out of thousands of dollars. Instead of using the donations for her alleged medical needs, authorities claim she used them to fund lavish trips and vacations in Australia.
The FBI announced on May 23 that Vanessa O’Rourke remains at large, having evaded capture since her indictment in 2018 for the alleged fraud scheme.
Investigators assert that O’Rourke, now 37, spent significant time persuading her loved ones that she was suffering from glioblastoma, a severe and often deadly form of brain cancer. She claimed she urgently needed financial assistance for treatment, living costs, and experimental care abroad.
O’Rourke reportedly informed her supporters that conventional treatments had failed her and that an experimental procedure in Australia was her only hope for survival, according to the FBI.
WELLNESS INFLUENCER EXPOSED FOR FAKING CANCER DODGES AUTHORITIES A DECADE LATER: DOCUMENTARY
Investigators say Vanessa O’Rourke falsely claimed she needed experimental treatment in Australia for terminal brain cancer. (FBI)
Friends and family members reportedly rallied around her, donating money and organizing fundraisers to help what they believed was a young woman battling a terminal illness. But authorities say the cancer diagnosis was entirely fabricated.
FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X
Investigators allege that between October 2015 and July 2016, O’Rourke used false claims about her health to obtain financial support from people close to her. Prosecutors say supporters provided money directly to O’Rourke and also helped organize fundraising efforts to cover what they believed were mounting medical costs.
In April 2016, O’Rourke traveled to Australia, allegedly telling loved ones she was receiving experimental treatment unavailable in the United States. Instead, according to federal authorities, she spent the trip engaging in sightseeing and recreational activities and received no medical treatment whatsoever.
GOT A TIP?
After returning to the United States, investigators say O’Rourke continued the alleged scam by encouraging friends and family members to organize additional fundraising events on her behalf.
GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL
Authorities say a donation webpage was launched online and a fundraising benefit was held at a Pennsylvania restaurant, where supporters gathered to raise money for what they believed was O’Rourke’s ongoing cancer battle.
SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER
Federal prosecutors allege the money raised during those efforts was later used to fund another trip to Australia in 2016, where O’Rourke again allegedly participated in leisure activities instead of receiving treatment for the illness investigators say never existed.
Federal authorities indicted Vanessa O’Rourke on 15 counts of wire fraud in 2018. (FBI)
The alleged scheme eventually drew the attention of federal investigators.
LISTEN TO THE NEW ‘CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO’ PODCAST
On May 3, 2018, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indicted O’Rourke on 15 counts of wire fraud. A federal warrant was issued for her arrest, and she remains wanted by the FBI.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB
O’Rourke’s case is one of several high-profile “fake cancer” scams that have shocked communities in recent years, as fraudsters allegedly exploited sympathy, online fundraising platforms and emotional support networks for financial gain.
Prosecutors allege O’Rourke used false claims of terminal brain cancer to obtain money from friends and supporters. (FBI)
In recent years, several women across the United States and abroad have been accused or convicted of fabricating terminal illnesses while collecting money through fundraisers, crowdfunding pages and community events.
One of the most notorious cases involved California woman Amanda Riley, the subject of the hit “Scamanda” podcast and ABC docuseries, who admitted to faking cancer for years while receiving more than $100,000 in donations from supporters.
Like those cases, prosecutors allege O’Rourke’s scheme relied heavily on the trust and compassion of the people closest to her — friends, relatives and supporters who believed they were helping save someone’s life.
Authorities and fraud experts have warned that emotionally charged medical scams can be especially effective because they often target tight-knit communities eager to rally around someone they believe is fighting for survival.
The FBI is asking anyone with information about O’Rourke’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.