While men are often in the news for completing catfishing and romance scams, our next fraudster is a 26 year old female named Lin Helena Halfon. Is she guilty of 2 counts of money laundering, organized fraud, and exploitation of an older person like investigators claim? Let’s explore whether this 20-something Israeli national was looking for love in all the wrong places or intended to con her new 77-year-old husband, Richard Rappaport.

Who Is Lin Helena Halfon?

Halfon probably didn’t think she would end up arrested and held in jail instead of posting a $1 million bail. While It is difficult to believe that anyone could think they could cash a $1 million fraudulent check, that is precisely what Halfon tried to do, right before attempting to flee the country.

Their backstory was this. In August of 2019, they were married. While their age difference might have raised eyebrows, few may have suspected how their love story would end. According to police, Halfon tried to first cash a $1 million check at a cash-checking business, but employees refused since both she and her husband’s name were on the check.

Employees also turned down three other checks she gave them in the sum of $333k, each. She managed to successfully cash two checks, totaling $666,000, by the time of her arrest.

Her husband initially stood by her while his daughter was less trusting and believed her elderly dad was targeted due to his age. Rappaport now, also, believes he was the victim of fraud. However, Halfon’s attorney, Todd Foster, has reported to the Miami Herald that the marriage was valid and that he and his client “look forward” to bringing additional facts to the “situation”.

In the meantime, Halfon has pled not guilty to all the counts against her. Her arrest occurred at the Tampa International Airport, which will likely be used to bolster fraud claims.

Have you ever been tricked out of a small or large sum of money? Do you believe Halfon’s claim that the marriage was legitimate and that she is innocent of all charges, or do you think she married Rappaport for his car? May-December and international romances seem to frequently occur when one party has a large amount of cash.

If you’re concerned about someone you have met online, try a Social Catfish search. You don’t need to be a millionaire to experience fraud and theft from an online romance con artist. Many people with moderate income or savings are still at risk of losing it all. Search, and background check anyone you’re falling for at Social Catfish. You can scan by name, phone number, username, profile pic or image, or email address.

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