Montgomery County woman still wanted by FBI for allegedly faking cancer to get money

HARLEYVILLA, Pa. (WPVI) -- The FBI says they are still searching for a Montgomery County woman accused of faking cancer to get money from family and friends.

The feds say Vanessa O'Rourke, formerly of Harleysville, lied about being diagnosed with a terminal form of brain cancer and set up a GoFundMe.

Court documents allege that between October 2015 and July 2016, O'Rourke falsely represented to others that she had a terminal form of brain cancer known as "Glioblastoma."

She claimed she needed money to travel to Australia to receive experimental cancer treatments, according to officials.

More than 140 people donated a total of $11,740, investigators say.

Investigators say that in or around April 2016, she did travel to Australia but did not receive any cancer treatment while she was there and instead used the donated money for personal expenses, including a variety of leisure activities.

O'Rourke was indicted in 2020 on 15 counts of wire fraud in 2018, and a warrant for her arrest has been out ever since.

"The allegations in this case are nauseating," said U.S. Attorney McSwain said in 2020 when O'Rourke was indicted. "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."

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Tips can alsop be submitted anonymously online.