Chat room scam results in more than $100,000

Police are warning those using online Christian chat rooms to exercise caution after Appleton residents lost more than $100,000 to scam artists they befriended.

Sgt. Pat DeWall said investigators have taken at least two reports from Appleton and are aware of others from across the country.

The scam artists ask that money be sent to them overseas to help with an emergency or to help them return to the United States. Locations of those requesting money have included Nigeria, Egypt and Malaysia.

The scam targets older female chat room users, police said.

Police warn residents to avoid sending money to strangers and particularly to those who ask for money to be sent overseas.

Anyone with questions regarding the legitimacy of an online request is asked to contact police.