Woman Loses $23K in Social Media Scam: Police

NEW CARROLLTON, MD — A man based in Prince George's County reportedly stole $23,000 from a woman in a social media scam, authorities say.

In February, Maryland State Police were contacted by investigators from the Lexington Kentucky Police investigators about a bank fraud scheme involving an account owner in New Carrollton. The victim told authorities she was contacted by the suspect -- Justice Chikod Ezuokeaba, 28, of the 7800 block of Riverdale Road in New Carrollton -- via social media.

The suspect allegedly requested money from the victim to ship a package from London to Maryland. Over $23,000 in wire transfers were sent to the suspect.

On April 22, investigators received a search warrant for Ezuokeaba’s New Carrollton residence and received an arrest warrant for the suspect on charges of theft and theft scheme over $10,000/under $100,000.

Early Wednesday, investigators from county, state and federal agencies served the search warrant at Ezuokeaba's residence.

Investigators found 11 people from Nigeria at the home; they were checked for outstanding warrants, citizenship, and residency status. None of the residents were wanted on warrants; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations will follow up on residency status.

Ezuokeaba arrived at the residence before investigators left. He was arrested and taken to the Hyattsville Detention Center. Later, Ezuokeaba was served with an additional open warrant from Kentucky.

If Ezuokeaba is found guilty on the Maryland charges, he could face up to 15 years in jail and/or up to $15,000 in fines.

Authorities remind residents to know who they are communicating with on social media or online before sending money.

If you or someone you know is a victim to social media scams, report the incident to www.ftc.gov/complaint. For additional ways to avoid from falling victim to online fraud scams, visit The Federal Trade Commission’s consume information site at: www.consumer.ftc.gov.

»Photo of scam suspect Justice Chikod Ezuokeaba, courtesy of Maryland State Police