Attorney general's photo swiped for online dating scam

HELENA (AP) — State officials say a photo of Montana Attorney General Tim Fox was used in an online dating scam that cost an Indiana woman $150,000.

Fox’s spokesman John Barnes said Tuesday a photo of Fox likely taken from Facebook was used to create a fake profile on a dating website.

Barnes spoke to the victim, who said the perpetrator started a long-distance relationship with her and asked for money over time. She eventually went to police, but by then she had already sent nearly $150,000.

No arrests have been made.

Barnes says Fox is upset that his image was used, noting that the perpetrator chose someone who oversees consumer protection and warns citizens of scams.

The image of Fox has been removed from Facebook. Law enforcement officials are investigating.