Man Swindling Women for Money Scam
A 45‑year‑old New York man identified as Brandon Dae Up Kiehm was indicted on a second‑degree grand larceny charge after prosecutors say he defrauded a woman he met on the dating app Bumble out of approximately $272,000. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office alleges Kiehm built a false identity and cultivated a relationship with the 44‑year‑old victim that led to significant financial loss for her.
How the Scam Allegedly Unfolded
According to the indictment, Kiehm met the woman in 2019 through the dating app and introduced himself under the name “Dae Up Lee Kim,” claiming to be a Stanford‑educated finance professional. Over time they entered what she believed was a serious relationship and lived together in her home. In early 2020, prosecutors say Kiehm suggested they bid on a property in Brooklyn. He allegedly told her that they had placed a high bid at an auction and needed to send funds to secure their position because she was traveling for work. Relying on his representations, she sent a cashier’s check and later two wire transfers totaling $272,000 to what she believed was a broker handling the sale on their behalf. Investigators now assert Kiehm never attended the auction and never placed a bid for the property. The money was instead sent to an associate of his or into an account he jointly controlled before being withdrawn. The scheme began to unravel when the woman discovered identification with Kiehm’s true name and later confirmed with the actual broker that no bid had been made.
Past Criminal History
Kiehm’s legal troubles date back several years. In 2017 he pleaded guilty to grand larceny, identity theft and a scheme to defraud in earlier scams in which he obtained tens of thousands of dollars from at least two women he met on a dating app. Prosecutors say he also stole from a neighbor and a dog walking client at that time. He served a prison term of about one year and eight months for those offenses.
Court Proceedings and Investigation
Following his arrest, Kiehm was arraigned and released on supervised, non‑monetary bail. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has described the case as ongoing and encouraged anyone who believes they may have been victimized to come forward as authorities continue to investigate.
Broader Context
Romance frauds like the one Kiehm is accused of committing involve moving quickly from online communication to requests for money under the guise of shared future plans. Law enforcement officials say these scams often target individuals through dating apps and can involve fabricated stories about investments, emergencies or shared financial goals.
Summary
The indictment against Brandon Dae Up Kiehm highlights the severity of romance‑related fraud and its potential impact on victims. Prosecutors allege a deliberate pattern of deception that resulted in significant financial loss and personal betrayal for the woman involved. The ongoing investigation may lead to additional developments as authorities assess whether more victims exist.
