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New Jersey man accused of posing as soldier on dating websites, scamming women out of $2M

A New Jersey man posed as a member of the United States military on dating websites to bilk more than 30 women out of $2 million, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Rubbin Sarpong, 35, of Millville, was arrested Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sarpong and his alleged conspirators “met and wooed the victims” on online dating sites, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said.ore than 30 women out of $2 million, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Rubbin Sarpong, 35, of Millville, was arrested Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sarpong and his alleged conspirators “met and wooed the victims” on online dating sites, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said.

Sarpong and his alleged conspirators, mostly based in Ghana, set up profiles on dating websites using made-up or stolen identities and posed as U.S. military personnel stationed overseas, according to the criminal complaint.

After virtual romantic relationships started to develop on the online dating platforms and through email, Sarpong and his conspirators allegedly asked them for money.

The most commonly used story was that they were stationed in Syria and awarded gold bars, authorities said. They told many victims that the money would be returned once the gold bars arrived in the U.S., according to prosecutors.