A man reported Wednesday that he was defrauded out of $172,000 by a woman who stated that she was in danger and needed the money.
Cape Coral police responded to a report of a fraud in the 1000 block of Southwest 12th Terrace. According to a report, the man gave the money to a woman he had been dating, and he could no longer get in touch with her.
He said he believed that she was in danger and the money was not a gift.
The woman, who he had been dating since December, told him in April that she was in trouble with some drug dealers. She told him that unless she paid them some money, they were going to kill her or turn her into a prostitute.
According to the report, he transferred $100,000 into her bank account. She said she needed more money for the dealer, so he transferred another $35,0000 into her account, followed by another $15,000 a few days later.
Prior to the transactions, the man reported giving her $22,000 in cash.
He told police that he also bought her a 2011 Nissan Maxima for $45,000.
As of the end of May, the woman had not returned his calls or texts.
Anyone with information can contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 574-3223, or submit a tip by texting “CCPD” plus the message to CRIMES or by visiting: www.capecops.com. Tipsters can also contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at (800) 780-TIPS (8477) and be eligible for a cash reward.