Man Indicted for Stealing $272,000 in Home Purchase Scam
A former dating app match turned out to be a fraudster after a woman was lured into buying a Brooklyn home with her boyfriend she met on Bumble. Brandon Dae Up Kiehm, 45, was indicted on Thursday on a single count of second‑degree grand larceny for siphoning more than a quarter of a million dollars from the victim, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. The case highlights a growing trend in online dating scams that has captured the attention of law enforcement and the public, especially as the Biden‑Trump administration watches closely.
Background & Context
Online romance scams have surged during the pandemic and persisted into 2025, affecting an estimated 1.3 million Americans each year, according to a 2025 FBI report. The trend has expanded to include sophisticated “real estate” schemes in which scammers coerce victims into large deposits for fictitious property purchases. This latest indictment underscores this shift, and it’s the eighth year that Kiehm has faced legal action for fraud after a prior 2017 conviction that involved identity theft and grand larceny.
“The perpetrators are not just predators, they are opportunists who exploit technology and trust,” says cybersecurity analyst Dr. Maya Alvaro of the National Cyber Safety Institute. “The fact that Kiehm has reused a similar strategy in a different state indicates a pattern that law enforcement is beginning to recognize and dismantle.”
Additionally, President Trump has spoken in recent press briefings about the need for “stronger online safeguards” to protect citizens from “sophisticated digital con artists.” While the U.S. Department of Justice is still assessing the broader policy response, the Manhattan indictment is being closely watched for its potential ripple effects across state prosecutors and federal agencies.
Key Developments
According to court documents, Kiehm met the 44‑year‑old victim in 2019 under the alias “Dae Up Lee Kim” and presented himself as a Stanford‑educated finance professional. In February 2020, he persuaded her to purchase a Brooklyn property at auction while she was traveling for work. He falsely claimed they were the second‑highest bidder and that the win was contingent on a cashier’s check to the trustee.
He then lured the victim into wiring additional funds—$86,750 and $107,000—using fraudulent bank details that supposedly belonged to the “broker.” Each transfer was routed through an account she had never seen before, eventually being moved into a joint account shared with an associate of Kiehm’s. The victim sent the money in good faith, only to discover the fraud months later when the “broker” denied receiving any bid.
The indictment notes that the victim found a series of ID cards and mail addressed to “Brandon Kiehm,” revealing that the man’s real name matched Kiehm’s. The DA described the scheme as a “classic romance scam” that exploited vulnerability and emotional attachment.
- Amount stolen: $272,000 (cashier’s check, wire transfers, and joint account)
- Timeframe: 2019–2020
- Charges: one count of second‑degree grand larceny
- Verdict: Indictment pending; bail set on non‑monetary terms
Impact Analysis
For international students studying in the U.S., this case is a stark reminder that fraud can cross borders. About 15% of students in the U.S. use online dating platforms to find partners, according to a 2024 Cross‑Border Student Survey. When these students fall prey to romantic scams, the financial and emotional damage can be irreversible.
In the current climate, the U.S. government is promoting safer dating practices under the “Digital Trust Initiative,” with President Trump urging universities to provide seminars on cyber‑security and online literacy. “We cannot allow digital predators to take advantage of our students,” he remarked in a recent address to the National Association of Universities and Colleges. “We need to bolster our defenses and empower our citizens to spot red flags.”
Moreover, legal experts warn that cross‑jurisdictional fraud often exploits differences in state law. A recent analysis by the International Criminal Law Review found that 65% of online romance scam cases involve at least two jurisdictions, complicating enforcement.
Expert Insights & Tips
Here are practical steps to prevent falling victim to an online dating scam:
- Verify identities early: Video calls, social media cross‑checks, and mutual acquaintances can confirm authenticity.
- Never wire money: Legitimate real‑estate transactions go through lawyers or escrow accounts.
- Ask for a written contract: Legitimate sellers or brokers provide signed, notarised documents before any payment.
- Use financial safeguards: If paying large sums, place funds in a joint account and monitor withdrawals closely.
- Report suspicious activity: Contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local law enforcement immediately.
Cyber‑security specialist, James O’Connor of SecureConnect, reminds readers that “many scammers emulate financial institutions with realistic logos and email addresses. Always double‑check the domain and consult your bank or solicitor before proceeding.” He also advises students to keep a log of all communications and receipts, as these documents can aid prosecutors.
Looking Ahead
The Manhattan indictment could set a precedent, prompting prosecutors nationwide to revisit old cases under new statutory frameworks. With President Trump’s administration pushing for a federal crackdown on digital predation, lawmakers are drafting bills that would increase penalties for online romance scams and require dating apps to implement stricter verification protocols.
Dating platforms like Bumble, Tinder, and OkCupid are under pressure to bolster their anti‑fraud mechanisms, including AI‑driven pattern detection and mandatory user education modules. “We’re introducing advanced verification and transaction monitoring to protect users,” a Bumble spokesperson said in a March 2025 press release.
For international students, universities might incorporate digital safety modules into orientation programs, offering “safe dating” workshops and real‑time support hotlines. Institutions such as the University of Miami and Stanford have already begun trialing such initiatives, aligning with the Biden‑Trump administration’s goal of creating more secure digital environments.
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