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Facebook 'Friend' Stole $78K From Elderly Woman

WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP) - State police say an elderly woman's Facebook "friend" stole her $78,000 life savings by convincing the woman they needed the money to import BMWs into the United States.

The unknown friend, who troopers from the Washington, Pennsylvania barracks are still trying to track down, told the woman the money was needed to pay "port fees" and that she'd get her money back with interest.

Police say the scam started in August and continued until late last year, but the woman only recently reported the losses because she was embarrassed.

Trooper Thomas Kress tells the (Washington) Observer-Reporter that trying to track down the money which may have been sent to banks in California, Florida or Texas. The victim also told police she wired money to India.

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(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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