Police: Massachusetts woman faked 'terminal brain tumor' to bilk elderly man out of thousands of dollars

Anisa Llega

ARLINGTON — An alleged scam artist is accused of bilking a widower out of thousands of dollars so she could pay her bills, including car and student loans. At one point, she even claimed to have a terminal brain tumor to get sympathy – and money – from the elderly man, who has no surviving family, according to authorities.

Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan said 24-year-old Anisa Llega was arrested Wednesday on larceny charges in connection with a scheme to exploit more than $100,000 from the 84-year-old man, whose identity was withheld.

About three months ago, Llega began working as a house cleaner for the victim, who would frequent a local restaurant where she worked as a waitress. During that time, Llega cultivated a relationship with the man, eventually conning him out of large sums of money, according to Ryan.

At one point, Llega faked a terminal brain tumor to extract money from the man, who gave her $30,000 for a surgical procedure she did not require, police said. Rather than go under the knife, Llega used the money for a Florida vacation, according to investigators.

"This is a particularly sad situation in which the victim has no family," Ryan said, adding that Llega took advantage of the elderly man's "kindness and generosity."

Police froze several bank accounts in Llega's name as a result of the investigation, which was launched after an acquaintance of the victim told them about Llega. She is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Cambridge District Court. It's unknown if she has a lawyer.

Ryan said more charges may be filed.

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Police: Massachusetts woman faked 'terminal brain tumor' to bilk elderly man out of thousands of dollars