A woman named Sumaiya Khurram, 33, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in jail for a despicable act of fraud. She deceived her female friend into believing she was a handsome man in love with her, leading to the victim handing over more than $110,000.
Khurram posed as a man who needed private treatment for blood cancer and manipulated her friend, whom she had known for 20 years. The deception involved sending numerous pictures of a young Asian male and engaging in conversations over WhatsApp about their relationship, including discussions of a sexual nature.
The victim, who had physical disabilities and was inexperienced in the ways of the world, fell for Khurram’s scheme. She was introduced to someone named Etesham Khan by Khurram and believed that Khan was a potential partner she would meet and marry. The victim was convinced to give $113,300 to help her fictitious lover with his medical expenses.
The court heard that Khurram took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability and strict Muslim faith, bombarding her with images of a fictional character she had created. This went on for 20 months until the victim ran out of money. The victim, feeling betrayed and devastated, stated that Khurram had taken away her health and wealth, leading her to contemplate suicide.
In sentencing, the judge condemned Khurram’s actions as wicked and calculated. He emphasized that she knew of the victim’s vulnerabilities and physical challenges but still chose to manipulate and deceive her for financial gain. Despite showing remorse and not reoffending since the incident, Khurram’s actions were deemed despicable and deserving of a significant prison sentence.
The defense acknowledged the severity of the catfishing scheme orchestrated by Khurram but argued that it was not highly sophisticated or meticulously planned. They also pointed out that the offense occurred several years ago and that Khurram had not engaged in similar fraudulent activities since then.
Overall, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online deception and the devastating consequences it can have on victims. It highlights the importance of vigilance and skepticism when engaging with others online, especially in situations that seem too good to be true.
