Westlake Woman Out $21,000 In Internet Dating Scam

A 42-year-old Westlake woman reported that she is out approximately $21,000 after befriending a male on an Internet dating sight.

The paramour purported to be in Malaysia building a hotel, so the pair had to communicate via Facebook.

The woman reported the matter to Westlake Police on March 14.

Police said the man told the woman he was in an “accident” and needed money as he was in the “hospital,” which eventually became a need for money for his business. He even had the victim buy and ship more than $4,600 worth of Apple computer products to Malaysia.

The woman scammed has since been contacted by a Chicago woman who also has been victimized by most likely the same suspect.

The victim has previously been counseled by friends and a member of Westlake Police Department to stop sending money; Western Union also refused to wire money for her when it became obvious she was being scammed.

Ditched by downtown revelers

In other police news:

A well-traveled homeless man was arrested for Disorderly Conduct – Intoxication and carrying a knife the evening of  March 17.

The man told police he had been brought to a Detroit Road restaurant by downtown St. Patrick Day revelers who then ditched him.

The man has been busy...  and getting around. Police discovered he had active warrants from agencies in the Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati areas, as well as from Osceola County in Florida.