A woman accused of faking terminal cancer to scam loved ones into funding luxury holidays to Australia has evaded the FBI since 2018. Vanessa O’Rourke, 37, from Pennsylvania, allegedly set up a GoFundMe fundraiser, receiving nearly US$12,000 (around AUD$16,340) from family, friends, and supporters who believed they were contributing to lifesaving experimental treatment in Australia.
FBI Search Continues
The FBI announced on May 23 that it is still searching for O’Rourke. “Through her false and fraudulent pretences, her family and others provided money and support,” an FBI caution reads. O’Rourke was indicted on 15 counts of wire fraud in 2018, and a federal warrant was issued for her arrest.
Luxury Travel Instead of Treatment
Authorities believe O’Rourke was never truly sick. In April 2016, she travelled to Australia, where she engaged in leisure activities and received no medical treatment. After returning to the US, she enlisted friends and family to organise two fundraisers. More than 140 people donated. The FBI alleges she used the funds to return to Australia a second time, again engaging in leisure activities without seeking treatment.
“The allegations in this case are nauseating,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain in 2020. “O’Rourke is charged with preying upon the kindness and generosity of good people who wished to help those in need. As alleged, there was no need here, only lies, greed and callous manipulation.”
Aliases and Last Known Location
O’Rourke has used aliases including Vanessa Gulinello and Cecilia Vincent Gaeta Lazaro. Her last known location was Queensland, Australia. The FBI’s Philadelphia Division continues to seek her arrest.
“Misleading people about a significant medical diagnosis in order to take advantage of their kind hearts and open wallets is reprehensible,” said Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division.
