MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Sioux Falls police are warning the public about online fraud after a 66-year-old local man lost approximately $67,000 in a scam that began through a messaging app.

According to police, the victim, who is undergoing cancer treatment, had been communicating with a woman online since May. Sioux Falls Police Department Information Officer Sgt. Aaron Benson said the woman claimed the victim would receive a credit card loaded with $3 million to help cover medical expenses.

Benson said the victim was told he needed to send money to “release” the package before it could be delivered.

“The victim in this case was then told that he needed to send money to release this package so he could get the $3 million,” Benson said. “Over the past week, he had sent approximately $7,000 and finally reported it to us after getting information that the package was not going to be delivered to him.”

During the investigation, police discovered the man had sent more than $60,000 to the woman over several months.

Police say the case is a reminder that legitimate financial assistance programs do not require upfront payments and urge residents to be cautious when communicating with unknown individuals online.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of fraud is encouraged to contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.