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Psychologist withdraws 600,000 euros from patients – online fraud uncovered!
Psychologist Eric Brown allegedly diverted $600,000 from a patient to invest in an online scam.
Psychologist withdraws 600,000 euros from patients – online fraud uncovered!
Eric Brown, a 76-year-old psychotherapist from Massachusetts, is facing serious legal consequences. He is accused of embezzling over $600,000 from one of his patients. This was announced by the District Attorney's Office of the District of Massachusetts. Brown plans to plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in an illegal financial transaction. The allegations could put him behind bars for decades.
The circumstances surrounding the scams are alarming. Brown had provided psychotherapeutic help to a patient who had been injured by a drunk driver. In 2022, he was named trustee of a trust benefiting this patient, which gave him control of the money from the settlement. According to prosecutors, he was obliged to use these funds in the interests of the victim's health, support and maintenance.
Trust abused
Instead, the funds end up in the wrong hands. Brown is said to have fallen victim to an online investment scam. A fraudster posing as a romantic partner persuaded him to withdraw $600,000 from the trust for foreign investment. This raises serious questions about ethics and responsibility, particularly given his professional role as a psychotherapist.
In addition, he is accused of misleading a family member to obtain $310,000. He claimed he needed the money for renovations to a commercial office building, but he also invested it abroad. This demonstrates not only Brown's inability to maintain his professional demeanor, but also the magnitude of his actions, which place great strain on both him and the individuals involved.
Future consequences
Prosecutors have made it clear that Brown faces a lengthy prison sentence as well as significant fines. The situation highlights the dangers of online fraud and the impact it can have on the lives of those affected. The legal proceedings are still pending and it remains to be seen what penalties the courts will ultimately impose.
Eric Brown's current situation raises questions not only about the ethical responsibilities of psychotherapists, but also about the prevention of online fraud, which is becoming increasingly common in today's digitalized world.