SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A Temecula man accused of orchestrating a romance fraud scheme that targeted an elderly woman out of more than $1.5 million appeared in federal court Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- The Nexstar Media video above explains how to avoid being scammed
Prosecutors say 10-time convicted felon Troy Clinton Van Sickle manipulated the victim into believing the two were in a romantic relationship before convincing her to send him large sums of money between 2022 and 2023.
Federal authorities allege Van Sickle concealed a lengthy criminal history that included convictions for fraud, theft, extortion and perjury, instead presenting himself as a successful businessman. Investigators say he told the woman he needed financial help for business ventures and investment opportunities, promising to quickly repay the money and share future profits.
According to the indictment, those promises were false…