A Bucks County man looking for love on a dating app ended up losing more than $17,000 after meeting a woman who police said took money from him.
Perkasie Borough police arrested Nyima Williams this week in connection with the alleged romance scam. She is charged with theft, impersonation and other offenses and is free on bail.
According to investigators, the victim met Williams through a dating app over the summer. The two eventually met in person, and the man began lending Williams money.
“Through the course of their meet ups the victim lent the suspect money a substantial about of money, in which she refused to pay it back,” Chief of Police at Borough of Perkasie Robert Schurr said.
Investigators say Williams initially took approximately $3,000 from the victim. When he realized he wasn’t getting his money back, he reported the situation to police.
But the demands for money didn’t stop there.
Police said that after the man filed his initial report, he began receiving calls and text messages from someone claiming to be a deputy in New York. That person demanded additional money, and the victim handed over more than $9,000.
The man returned to police with information about the additional demands, which investigators say helped lead them to Williams.
Police also allege Williams took the victim’s credit card and used it to make purchases, bringing his total losses to more than $17,000.
Investigators are now looking into whether Williams acted alone.
“It’s possible she is working with someone else,” Schurr said.
Police say romance scams often go unreported because victims may feel embarrassed or fear coming forward.
NBC10 attempted to contact Williams for comment. No attorney was listed for her in court filings.
Investigators are urging people who use dating apps and social media to be cautious, particularly when someone they meet online begins asking for money.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.
