Woman Looking To Cash In From Newtown Massacre

Yet despite the horribleness of the crime, one US woman tried to cash in handsomely by pretending to be the aunt of 6 year old Noah Pozner, who was gunned down in the school shooting.

Nouel Alba (L) pretended to be Noah Pozner’s aunt to scam people for money. Photo Credit: BRUNO

Nouel Alba, a 37-year-old from the Bronx, set up a donation site entitled ‘funeral fund’ where she pried on people’s emotional goodwill to donate money for her nephew.

US authorities Alba. She appeared before a court in Connecticut’s state capital, Hartford, but is presently free on a $US50,000 bond.

If found guilty of the scam, Nouel Alba could face years imprisonment and a fine of up to $US250,000.

“It is unconscionable to think that the families of the victims in Newtown, and a sympathetic community looking to provide them some sort of financial support and comfort, have become the targets of criminals,” said FBI Special Agent Kimberly Mertz.

“Today’s arrest is a stern message that the FBI will investigate and bring to justice those who perpetrate internet fund raising scams, especially those scams that exploit the most vulnerable in their time of shared sorrow.”

Alba allegedly used telephone calls and text messages to solicit money, as well as her Facebook account, where she asked donors to give money either via a PayPal account or by direct debit into her bank account.